Page 116 of Primal God

How’d he take it?

Surprisingly well.

Good. See you soon!

I say to Dimitri, “I was letting my roommate, Cecely, know that we’re on the way.”

“Tell me about our daughter,minha vida.”

“She looks a lot like Isadora,” I say with a smile. “She’s almost seven months old now.” I pause, needing him to know this part. “I’ve missed her like crazy.”

His hand covers mine. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy being away from her.”

We ride in silence. The drive feels like it takes forever, but I know it’s just because I can’t wait to see my baby. At the apartment complex, I tell Dimitri where to park. I can tell he’s judging the dated building, but he says nothing. I lead him up the stairs, to the second floor, coming to a stop at my door.

Using my key, I unlock the door and step inside, letting Dimitri follow before I close and lock the door. He looks around the tiny living room and kitchen, again remaining silent.

Cecely calls out, “We’re in here, Momma.”

I lead the way to my bedroom where Cecely stands holding Raquel.

“Hi baby. Momma missed you.”

Raquel reaches out for me and says, “Mama.”

I immediately burst into tears.

Cecely puts an arm around me and says, “Hey, it’s okay. This is the first time she’s said it.”

I knew she was mimicking certain sounds, but knowing I almost missed her first word guts me. What in the actual hell was I thinking? I should have never left her!

Dimitri’s arm goes around my other side and he says, “It looks like our girl missed you.”

I wipe at my eyes and take Raquel from Cecely, holding her close.

“I missed her, too. So freaking much.”

“I know,minha vida, but we’re all together now.”

Cecely says, “I’ll give y’all a moment to yourself.”

She leaves as I turn toward Dimitri.

“This is Raquel.”

His gaze snaps to mine. “Did you know Raquel was my mother’s name?”

I nod. “Yeah. It seemed fitting.”

“Can I…can I hold her?”

“Of course.”

I hand over Raquel, who immediately snuggles against Dimitri while touching his beard. The sight of him holding his daughter makes me cry again. Dimitri pulls me close, hugging both of us.

“Thank you,minha vida.”

“For what?”

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