Page 104 of Sweet Thing

The tension was broken when my little girl went “Yabby!” I reached for her and squeezed her little finger, the one on the hand with the IV. I hated seeing her in such discomfort.

Adeline stood. “I’ll go check on my parents, let them know Mabel’s looking better.” She leaned over and gave my girl a kiss on the forehead. “Be good, Mabel. I’ll see you soon.”

I took a second to try to process my feelings. Mabel’s health scare was surely playing havoc with my emotions, but I knew this much. Tonight I was prepared to tell Theo that I wanted Adeline. That I was in love with her.

This woman was my rock, the one person I could trust to have my and Mabel’s back. I loved having her around. I loved her smell and her curves and how she didn’t let me get away with anything. I loved how she felt in my arms and wrapped around my body. I loved being inside her and I loved sitting on the sofa with her in quiet moments where neither of us had to say a word.

To be honest, it would be better if I wasn’t in love because I was the worst person for her. I’d eventually hurt her, no doubt about it. And that was before I factored in the atomic bomb that would explode when Kershaw found out.

But for now, Mabel was on the mend, and I had finally stopped fighting my feelings for this wonderful woman. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.

Adeline

You’rethe best person I know.

It was a lovely thing to say, but it also sounded final. A kiss-off. My mind was whirling as I headed out to the waiting room. I was in love with Lars but did he feel even a tenth of what I did? I desperately wanted to think so, but I also understood he was in a weird place right now. Nothing like a sick baby to send your head spinning.

On reaching the waiting room, I found that several of the team had arrived. My dad bounded over. “How’s Button?”

“She’s okay. They’re hydrating her and keeping her for observation. I’ll probably stick around for a while if that’s okay.”

“Of course! Lars needs you right now.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “The team wanted to help.”

“They’re good guys.” I flicked a glance at my mom and that’s when I knew.

She had seen me with Lars.

She was trying her best, but her face said it all. My dad headed off to give the team an update.

My mom took his place and rubbed my arm. “You okay? I know you got a fright there.”

“I did. I’m just crazy about her.”

She nodded. “I know. I think I’ve always known. Not sure it was a good idea to push you into this.”

“It was my decision, Mom. I made the call.”

“Right, but it’s certainly … complicated.”

We were talking about something else. Someone else.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Mom. I know what I’m doing.”

Tiny tears appeared at the corners of her eyes.

“Oh, Mom.” I pulled her in for a hug, then steered her to a quieter corner near the snack machine. I checked the offerings, looking for a Twix but resolved to settle for a KitKat. “It’ll be okay.”

“Is it serious?”

If my mom thought I was in love with Lars, she would insist I come clean to Dad. The fallout would be catastrophic. I needed more time. More space to think it through.

“Lars needed someone to be his support at this time?—”

“And you were there to give it?” Fury sparked in her eyes. “I can’tbelievehe took advantage.”

“He didn’t. I seduced him.”

She looked supremely skeptical.Thanks, Mom.