Page 92 of Passed Ball

His body is draped over mine, both of us still spinning out as his movements slow. This feels right, like where I'm meant to be. He isn't only making a home inside my body, he's making one within my soul. He's given me so much more than the things on our list. He's taught me how to let him in. It's a feeling I'll never recover from.

The bed dips with his weight as he crawls back in next to me, after he takes care of the condom. And all I can think as his solid chest presses against my back, lulling me to sleep, is thatsomedaymore might be nice.

Chapter 40

Xavier

Panic strikes when I realize I'm alone. It's eerily quiet for the first time in three months. There's no crying baby and there is an empty spot that should be filled with a beautiful brunette.

The sheets are a mess from last night, barely hanging on to my bed. Still gaining my bearings, I yawn, grabbing a pair of shorts and slipping them on before I make my way down the hallway.

Wordlessly, I step over the threshold of my daughter's room and pause. The moment unfolding is too sacred to interrupt. I lift my phone, thankful I grabbed it, just as Holland peeks over Vivienne's shoulder as they sway back-and-forth while Vivienne murmurs sweetly to her in nothing but my shirt.

I snap the picture as she turns her head, kiss-swollen lips from when I woke her in the middle of the night pressing to fine, red, baby hairs.

She spots me out of the corner of her eye and says, "Hate to break it to you, Estrela, but your dad is a bit of a creep."

"And how long have you two been in here conspiring against me?" Stepping up behind my girls, I kiss the crown of Holland's head first, then turn and take Vivienne's mouth with a soft kiss.

She leans against my chest and her contented sigh blankets me. "Conspiring has such a negative connotation. I prefer gabbing. This sweet girl was telling me she wants eggs Benedict for breakfast."

"Is that so? Good taste for a three-month-old."

"Right? You'd think she'd be satisfied with a bottle, but no. Such a refined palate."

"Hmmm. Lucky for her, I know a place. But since Holland can't eat it yet, you could come and help her out. I know you're hungry after last night." The phone in my hands vibrates, and when I drop my eyes to it, there's a barrage of text messages already waiting and more coming through.

Dom:

We need to start an All Star Break tradition.

Hendrix:

I'm not moving up my wedding.

Dom:

Xavier. I need you to do me a solid.

Hendrix:

You can't marry him off for the sake of tradition.

Dom:

He's our only option.

Dean:

Um . . . Hello?

Hendrix:

Something you need to tell me?

Dean:

.. .

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