Page 219 of Mountain Daddy

---

Kendra is okay.

She’s healthy.

She’s fine.

She’ll keep being fine.

I open my eyes.

Baby Doll: Tonight.

Baby Doll: You can start making it right tonight.

Chapter 134

Luther

The house isdark when I open the front door.

Silent.

I’ve camped out with Joe before. I know he can sleep through a thunderstorm, but I still take careful steps as I move down the hall to Kendra’s door.

It’s closed, but not all the way. I just have to press on it, and it opens without a sound.

The lights are off in here too, but unlike last night, the curtains have been left open.

I shut the door behind me, turning the small lock in the center of the handle.

Kendra’s under the blankets, on her side, facing the empty half of the bed.

She doesn’t stir as I undress.

Doesn’t wake as I climb into bed.

And when I settle onto my back, she shifts in her sleep. Moving into me. As though we do it every night.

Drawn together like magnets.

Kendra snuggles against my chest.

Her back rises with a deep inhale.

I hug her to me.

She lets out a hum. “Luther?”

I stroke a hand down her back. “Go back to sleep, Baby.”

She hums again. But doesn’t say more.

I wrap my fingers around hers on my chest.

And I close my eyes.

I can be this for her.

Be her comfort.

---