Page 56 of Where We Belong

Cory’s hand comes up to cup my cheek. “You really did miss me, didn’t you?”

I nuzzle against her palm. “You have no fucking idea.”

“We’ll be okay,” she whispers. And I believe it with my entire being. Our bond is unbreakable now.

Though I regret not confessing my love sooner, the timing hadn’t been right. I hadn’t been ready to wholly give myself the way I can now. I’m endlessly grateful I didn’t lose her for good. And I’m so fucking thankful.

Chapter Thirty-One

Cory

My eyelids are heavy, probably sealed by super glue. Sneaking into Benedict’s home at night for the past week has been exciting but exhausting too. And when I hear Bernie’s voice, the fear that I fell asleep makes me launch out of bed.

“What time is it?” I whisper frantically, scrambling to locate my discarded clothes from the night before.

“Daddy,” comes Bernie’s impatient call through the door.

“Maybe it’s time for me to make a stealthy escape out the window?” I mutter, scanning the room in vain for my missing shirt. “Why did I fall asleep?”

Ben catches me in his arms, stilling my panic. “You’re tired, and maybe it’s okay if she sees you?” Ben suggests, drawing me closer and taking me into his arms. “We only have a few days left before you come back. Why not make it today?”

I bite my lip, hesitating. This isn’t what I planned for that day. “But I wanted to bring balloons and a present and…”

Cupping my cheek, Ben says gently, “You don’t need any of those things,” he says. “She only wants you, her Co-ee. No big parties or parades. Just Cory.”

My eyes prickle just thinking of the time we’ve been apart. I adore that little girl. From the moment we met, she has owned my heart entirely. How could she not when she’s a part of Ben.

Ben retrieves a sweatshirt from his closet and hands it to me. I slip it on, the soft fabric holding his scent. Drawing a steeling breath, I approach the door on shaky legs.

I can do this. With a final exhale, I turn the knob and swing it open. Bernie’s face lights up in astonished joy.

“Co-ee!” She flings herself into my arms, squealing with delight. I clutch her tight, tears slipping free as I rain kisses over her hair. No balloons or gifts could ever compare to this feeling.

“Hey, Bernie. I missed you so much,” I say, hugging her close as she nuzzles into my neck.

“You back,” she declares happily.

“Sorry it took me so long to come to you, Bernie.” I press a kiss into her soft hair. “Do you want me to make you breakfast?”

Bernie’s face lights up. “Pant-kays?”

I glance at Ben and mouth, “Ingredients?” He nods with a smile. “We can add blueberries too.”

“Choc-wit cheese too, pwease,” Bernie adds.

“Umm, I think you want to say chocolate chips,” I correct her, bopping her nose playfully. “Let’s see what we can find, and maybe after school, we can go grocery shopping to ensure the house has everything we need for a fun but nutritious breakfast.”

“No. No kool.” She shakes her head but doesn’t let me go. “Co-ee.”

I glance at Ben, who’s literally looking at me, a little lost.

“Why don’t we have breakfast first, and then we plan our day?” I suggest.

When we arrive in the kitchen, Bernie insists on helping measure ingredients, nearly spilling the flour in her enthusiasm. I hold back laughter, enjoying our time together. Soon the batter is mixed, and Ben starts cooking on the griddle. I slice strawberries while Bernie pulls grapes off the vine, her tongue poking out in concentration.

I’ve missed spending my mornings with them like this, as if we were a family.

Ben presses a sweet kiss to my temple as he flips a pancake, murmuring, “Sorry for the wait, love.”

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