Page 78 of The Forever Game

I pause at the nurses’ station, but no one is there. Glancing around, I continue my quest, slowly working my way down to the NICU before finally spotting him.

And there goes my heart, melting into a big puddle of goo.

He’s sitting in one of the nursing chairs, Lyla carefully tucked into his strong, tattooed arm. She’s so tiny, it makes my heart squeeze. Casey has her wrapped up in a bundle so her little arms won’t be jerking around and getting cold. Adjusting the hat on her head, he keeps talking to her, and the closer I get, the more his gentle hum turns into words I can hear.

“My precious girl. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And I’m going to look after you and make you laugh and teach you how to be strong and capable just like your mama.” He lightly kisses the tip of her nose. “You’re gonna have so much fun living in our house. Billy and Troy are a blast, and I’ll show you all the best moves so you can stand up for yourself when they get too rough. They won’t mean to, they’re just boys. But I’m not gonna let them hurt you, okay?” Tipping his head, he studies her face, completely besotted with her. “And speaking of boys, you’re not allowed to date until you’re at least twenty-five, maybe even thirty.”

I cover my mouth to stifle the giggle that’s rumbling in my stomach. He sounds completely serious, and I love him for it. His voice is so tender, it soothes me all the way to my soul, and my eyes get misty as I watch them together.

“And my little Lyla, if you’re ever in trouble, I’m the first guy you call, got it? I’m papa bear, and I’ll keep you safe no matter what.”

She makes a little noise, almost like a cry but not quite. She’s getting hungry, I can sense it, but she settles when Casey starts talking again.

“So, you know, it’d be really awesome if you could be a daddy’s girl. I know your mom is like the best human being on the planet, and if she becomes your favorite, I seriously will not hold it against you. But I’ve wanted a daughter since the first time she got pregnant. I’ve never told anyone this, but that first time, when we were still in college… I didn’t think I could do the dad thing. I wasn’t sure I’d be good enough, but then sometimes I’d let myself imagine, you know? And I’d picture a little girl with red curls and big blue eyes, and all I wanted to do was hold her and make her giggle and look after her.” A vulnerable smile lifts the edges of his mouth. “And now I’ve got you. And that makes me so happy, lil’ one.” He sniffs like he might be fighting tears. “So, you stay strong for us, okay, sweet girl? And I’ll be the best daddy in the world.”

“Fact,” I whisper, stepping into his line of sight. “You already are the best daddy in the world.”

He grins at me, the boyish charm he exudes stealing my heart all over again.

He opens his arm to me, and I shuffle toward him, perching on the side of his lap and staring down at our beautiful daughter.

“She’s perfect,” I whisper.

“I know.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Only fifteen minutes or so. The nurse said I could hold her until feeding time.”

“She seems happy in your arms.” I rest my cheek against his head. “I get it. Your arms are the best.”

He squeezes my hip and looks up at me. I press my lips to his, loving this man more than I ever thought I could. He is everything I ever wanted and needed.

Easing away from him, I gaze back down at Lyla, my eyes glassing over when I say, “I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean?” Casey gives me a questioning frown.

“For ever complaining about being pregnant again.” I wince. “I’m sorry I yelled at you about that.”

“Hey, it’s okay. You were freaking out.”

“I just didn’t think I could do it.” She shakes her head. “I feel so out of my depth sometimes, you know? Being a mom is hard.”

“I know.”

“But it’s also wonderful. I love my kids so much.” My voice starts to shake. “They are so precious to me. And now we have this beautiful girl, and Iamso grateful.”

“Baby, don’t cry,” Casey whispers, squeezing me against his side and reaching up to kiss my cheek. “It’s okay.”

I sniff. “Blame it on hormones.”

“’Kay. Will do.”

We grin at each other, and he reaches forward again. I dip my head to kiss his lips, brushing my fingers through his hair.

Lyla starts to squirm, a pitiful baby cry coming out of her. I pull back, gazing down at our daughter and carefully taking her in my arms. Casey moves so I can have the chair, and the nurse comes over to check that everything is fine while I get settled breastfeeding. As soon as Lyla latches on, I take her little fingers. So tiny. They wrap around my thumb, and I’m overwhelmed with love for this precious little human in my arms.

“She’s so tiny.” My voice catches.

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