Page 27 of Till Cupid Do Us Part

“You can’t believe she’s real,” I finish softly.

“Exactly.”

“She’s perfect.”

Junie makes a quiet cooing sound and lifts her hand to paw at the side of her mouth. Niko’s eyes widen and dart to me for a moment before falling back to her.

“I’m tryin’ not to crush her. She’s so small.”

“Don’t you remember when Travis was a baby?”

“Not like this. I was so fuckin’ young then. All I remember is tryin’ not to pull my hair out when he got colic and wouldn’t sleep.”

“Do you think he’ll want to come see her tomorrow?”

Niko kisses the top of her head again, hovering there as he inhales. “Yeah, I do. Texted me earlier askin’ if you were okay.”

“Really?”

“I told him he has to bring flowers to gain entry to meet his sister.”

I have to hide my laugh with a hand to my lips before scolding, “Niko.”

“It’s a rule,” he states.

“He’s going to hate me even more now.”

Niko shifts closer to my bed, now under the soft light from beneath the bathroom door. “It’s impossible for anyone to hate you.”

“Maybe.”

I’m not so sure. If there’s one person who has a valid reason to feel that way about me, it’s Travis. Even if I have a valid reason to hate him, too.

“I love you,” Niko says, adjusting Junie so he can drop a hand to rest on my shoulder. His touch is the simplest comfort.

I let my eyes fall closed again and press my cheek to his fingers. “I love you, too.”

“Rest, angel. I’ve got Junie.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, words slurring.

I’m asleep before his reply can register.

“Ivy’s still sleeping.”

“I can be quiet.”

“Just keep your voice down.”

“I got it.”

“Only makin’ sure you heard me.”

I roll my eyes behind my eyelids as I wake myself up. There’s light in the room and music playing quietly. Sniffing, I wince at the scent of hospital.

“What time is it?” I croak, licking at my dry lips.

Shoes squeak on the floor beside my bed. Niko’s cologne hits me, and his voice follows. “Nine.”

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