Page 104 of Wildest Dreams

“And look who is home Lainey,” he sings in a similar tune as he delicately lifts her up, turning her so she can see me. Her little feet resting on his thighs, one on each and I worry about his cast. His hands tuck under her arms softly and when her big, beautiful eyes land on me, she squeals, her smile growing as she begins to jump up and down with excitement on Tripp’s lap.

“Hey baby,” I coo, walking in and scooping her from Tripp’s arms as I hold her close, my cheek on hers before I kiss her for what feels like a million times. “God I missed you,” I whisper into the top of her head as I hold her close to me, eyes fluttered shut for just a moment before they find Tripp's. “Missed you too,” I croak and his eyes glisten with a shimmer of blue.

“Not as much as I missed you,” he sighs, as if the words lay heavy on his chest.

Stepping closer to him, I lean down slowly and place a soft kiss on his lips. Whilst holding Lainey against my chest, her grabby hands trying to get inside my shirt.

“The day went so slow, but somehow the hours slipped away.”

“Welcome to parenthood,” I smirk as I stand and bounce Lainey in my arms but she fights to get towards my boobs.

“She's an angel,” he breaks his gaze from mine before he is watching Lainey, small creases in his forehead appear as his brows crinkle whilst he studies her. “Honestly, she has been a dream.”

Smiling, I drop my head as I look at my daughter and a wave of unconditional love blankets me.

“She ate well, drunk her bottle and napped for a few hours. Mom was back before she was due her next one, so she took over,” his eyes move to me. “Kind of hated that she did to be honest,” and I laugh softly.

“Well, I have to work tomorrow so,” I nibble the inside of my cheek and his face lights up.

“I'll watch her,” he shuffles forward, and I let my gaze linger on his handsome face a little longer. Small wrinkles either side of his eyes, probably from squinting at the sun a little too much. They're a beautiful dark brown, flecks of honey drizzled through and in some lights, they look almost black. Golden skin that has a constant glow. Soft dark stubble brushes across his chin, jaw and upper lip. Full pink lips that I am always so desperate to kiss. His hair caramel brown, messy and long on top, short around the sides. My eyes fixate on the small scar above his eye from when Riggs hit him with a horseshoe, and suddenly, I am desperate to trace my fingers over the small indent in his imperfect skin.

A shallow hiss has me pulling from my dreamy gaze, his eyes are slammed shut, teeth gritted as he tries to move.

Popping Lainey in her crib, she starts to cry because I put her down. I move quickly to where he is, crouching down on my knees.

“What do you need?” I ask him, eyes volleying back and forth.

“Just…” he grits, “help...”sigh,“me move.” His voice comes out more as a beg and I nod. Unsure what he wants me to do. Pushing to my feet, he reaches out for me, and I grip under his arm as I pull him closer to the edge of the seat.

“Do you want to get up or…?” I ask what seems like a stupid question.

He chokes out a cry as I try and pull him to his feet.

“Slowly,” I whisper, trying my best to hold his weight against my frame as he hobbles forward, my legs moving back.

“I am struggling,” he whispers, vulnerability written all over his face.

“You're doing so well handsome,” I smirk, trying to lighten the mood but I can see the pain behind his eyes. We keep slowly moving until he is next to his chair, his trembling hand moving to grab the arm rest. His grip around my hand tightens and he slowly moves to lower himself into his seat. I don't let him go, and even though my body is screaming with the way my muscles are being stretched, I help him until I know he is safe.

His head falls back softly, and if I wasn't looking at him, I would have missed it. A glisten streaks his cheek and my heart aches.

Lainey's soft cries soon turn into full on wails.

“Thank you,” he can't even look at me, his eyes are still closed.

“No need to thank me,” I whisper as I turn on my heel, but his fingers curling around my wrist has me looking over my shoulder at him.

“Honestly Dixie...”

I smile at him, and I feel myself getting choked up as I look at the man before me, soul broken and wounded.

“It's no problem,” I nod, slowly pulling away from him and walking towards Lainey's crib. Bending slowly, I pick her up and cradle her as I unbutton my shirt with one hand and let her latch on. Turning to walk from the room, my steps falter and I realise I haven't asked him about physio.What a bitch,my inner thoughts lash against my skin, burning me with their marks.

“How did you get on today?” and I hate myself for not asking sooner.

“Good, hard work... but good,” a twitch of his lips causes one side to lift into a lopsided smile.

“That's good, baby steps right?”

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