Page 26 of Three of a Kind

He’s also kind, smart, and funny.

Seeing him holding my daughter makes my eyes throb as my stomach aches with a weird feeling.

Libby has missed out on certain things by not having her dad around.

Normally, I’m rational enough to remind myself that it’s a good thing Avan isn’t here more. If she saw him every day or was used to spending nights at his house, then it would be harder on her when we have to leave.

I won’t risk the two of us becoming collateral damage when one of his enemies wants revenge.

Some might consider me a bad mom for contemplating keeping Libby and the new baby away from a willing parent, but those people have no understanding of the hard lessons I’ve learned over the last three years.

I feel like everything is compounded by the fact I let myself fall into his trap again.

In the beginning, I didn’t know who he was, but by the time I got pregnant this time around, I was already in the process of trying to cut the cord.

God.

I’ve made so many mistakes.

I’m the only person I know will be there for Libby and the new baby, no matter what, and it kills me.

I’m literally all they have.

Noble carefully pushes himself off the sofa. “Don’t worry, Mama, I’ve got this.”

Watching him cradle Libby in his arms is not helping my already wobbly knees.

I glance at the wall, biting the inside of my cheek.

I will not burst into tears right now.

I refuse to.

Noble tucks Libby into her bed, and I’m still really confused about how I’m feeling. My shoulder leans against the doorframe as I study the lines of strong muscle under his T-shirt. He tugs up her blanket, giving her shoulder a pat, before spinning to walk toward the door.

My head tilts to take in all of his impressive frame as he swaggers my way.

I step into the hallway as he gets closer. Once he’s out the door, he pulls it to the frame without clicking it closed.

“Is everything all right?” He brushes my hair out of my eyes and tucks it behind my ear.

It’s so rare that I’m this physically close to anyone these days. Well, outside of my toddler and my sister.

“All good.” I force a smile I don’t feel.

It hurts because I like Noble, and it’s hard because he seems to like me.

Or maybe he’s just a really sweet man.

It doesn’t feel like I can even pursue anything between us.

Bless made it clear that my life in New York has an expiration date. I just don’t know when that will come.

“I think you need a hug.” He slides his arms under mine, circling my back and pulling me closer.

His scent hits my nose, and I ache to wallow in it until my face is covered.

I clutch at his back, trying to keep myself together.

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