Page 84 of The Summer Arrangement
God, I’ve missed her. I don’t know what I would’ve done if something worse had happened. I can’t imagine what she’s been through. It kills me that I wasn’t here for her.
When I pull back, the movement wakes Lizzy.
“Hey, you,” I whisper, leaning in further and brushing a kiss over her lips.
“When did you get here?” She blinks, looking around.
“Just a few minutes ago,” I admit. “Sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”
“You got here when you could. That’s all that matters,” Lizzy assures me, then tries to extricate herself from my octopus of a daughter.
Personal space is nonexistent when it comes to sleeping beside Milli.
By the time Lizzy’s standing, I’m already at her side.
Pulling her into my arms, I hug her fiercely. It feels like forever since I’ve held her, and I can’t get enough. Inhaling deeply, I’m finally able to relax. She feels like a warm spring day after the storm. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been here with Emilia. I have so much I need to tell her, but that can wait. For now, I just need her in my arms.
When Emilia moves, Lizzy breaks our hug and replaces the bedrail behind us. This simple gesture makes me fall even harder for her. Here she is sleep deprived and exhausted beyond belief, but she still makes Milli a priority.
The click from the bedrail stirs Lanie. She darts her eyes around and when they meet mine, she gasps. “Oh, you’ve made it.”
“Yeah, thanks to Jax and Finn. I can’t thank you all enough for being here. It means the world to me having you all step up like you have. I don’t know what I did to deserve you all in my life, but I’ll be forever grateful.”
Words can’t even express how I feel for the entire Lancaster family. No one has ever been in my corner like this, and I’m still unsure how to process it.
Lanie stretches and stands. “It’s not a problem. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Liz or Emilia for that matter. Now that you’re here, and they won’t be alone, do you mind if I head out? I could use some good sleep.”
Lizzy reaches for her sister and pulls her into a hug. “Thanks so much for everything, Lane. I love you.”
“Love you, too, Liz. I’m only a phone call away. Let me know if you need anything.”
The moment the door clicks shut, I hear the one voice I’ve been going out of my mind over. “Daddy, is that you?”
Rushing to her side, I reach for her hand. “I’m right here, sweet pea.”
“I had an owiee, and they fixed it,” she says, pulling at her hospital gown. “See, I have a mark.”
Her mark is covered by a bandage, but I’m sure I’ll see it soon enough. Feeling utterly useless for not being here, I ask, “How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?”
“I’m thirsty,” she croaks out.
“Let me get a nurse and ask what you can have,” Lizzy says, jumping into action.
“I can do that,” I offer, but she shakes me off. “Just stay with her. She’s missed you.”
Again, this woman puts Emilia first.
If I weren’t already head over heels in love with her, I certainly would be now.
Emilia draws my attention when she moves, and a little grunt escapes.
“Hey now, Mills. You gotta take it easy.”
“Help me get my blankie?”
I get it and cover her up. Leaning in, I kiss her forehead once again. “I’ve missed you, sweet girl.”
“Me, too, Daddy. Will I go home today?”
