Page 251 of Ignite

I’m running on fumes, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep going.

“Can I see?” she asks gently, like she’s afraid I’ll shatter if she speaks too loudly.

I hold out the ultrasound picture with trembling hands. She takes it like it’s the most precious thing in the world. Her eyes fill with tears she’s trying desperately to hold back. She’s trying to be strong for me.

“Can I?” Declan’s voice is rough as he steps closer.

I nod without looking up.

I can’t.

He draws in a ragged breath, pressing the hands over his eyes. Charlotte winds her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest as if she’s trying to hold him together, too.

“Conan…a dad.” His voice cracks. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“You still might not.”

The words spill out of me, bitter and raw.

I’m angry. So goddamn angry.

At the world.

At him.

At myself.

Because if I’d just listened—just let him explain—maybe none of this would be happening.

Maybe I wouldn’t have to stand here wondering if the father of my baby is about to die.

Life can rip away everything you love in an instant.

I saw it happen to my dad.

And now, I’m watching it happen all over again. He tried so hard to reach me.

He tried to prove he loved me.

And I pushed him away because I was too afraid to let myself hope. I was too afraid to believe that maybe—just maybe—someone could love me the way he did.

“I need some air,” I choke out, my throat burning as I turn away.

I don’t wait for anyone to follow.

I just run.

I don’t stop until the doors burst open and the cold night air hits me like a slap.

It steals my breath, but I don’t care.

I want to feel something.

Anything.

“Hallie!”

Lily’s voice cuts through the chaos in my head.

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