Chapter 32
—Reed—
I tripped while forcing my foot into the leg of my jeans, then cursed and jumped on the spot to tug them up. I’d overslept by fucking hours. Posie would be needing me. Why couldn’t I hear her crying? Why were there no sounds in my house?
A slew of sickening thoughts crashed through me as I fought my way into a T-shirt, sprinted from my bedroom down the hallway and into the living area. I skidded to a halt, feet hip-width apart and arms primed at my sides ready for action.
Simone’s attention shifted from her phone to my face. She gave me a weird look that implied I looked as unhinged as I felt.
She lifted a finger to her lips and whispered, “Don’t panic,” then pointed to the stroller close by. “We took her for a walk, and she fell asleep. We’ve been keeping a close eye on her.”
I rushed over to inspect my precious baby. I had to admit, she looked pretty damn content all tucked up in there. A pang of all-consuming affection cut through my chest. I still couldn’t get over her utter perfection, aside from the crying and pooping.
“She must be hungry,” I whispered, foolishly contemplating waking Posie up from her slumber.
“We gave her a bottle before the walk,” Simone replied.
“What about her diaper?”
“All changed and dry.”
Nodding, I lowered myself on the opposite end of the couch to Simone with a heavy sigh. “Thank you, Simmy. I woke with this terrible feeling crushing my chest.” I looked around while absentmindedly rubbing at the spot, noticing my brother’s absence. “Where’s Banks?”
Simone tucked her legs under her and angled my way. “He got a callout twenty minutes ago.”
I dragged one hand down my face as guilt over Simone being left to babysit swept through. “You should have woken me.”
My sister-in-law waved her hand in dismissal. “Don’t be silly. You needed as much rest as you could get.”
“Thank you. It certainly has been a rough few weeks.”
A soft smile touched her face. “You’re doing great, Reed. And I’m here—we all are—for you when you need us. We’re only a phone call away. Just like when we went shopping for baby gear, I’ll be around before you hang up the phone.”
Her perfect toothy grin created a smile of my own. “Thanks, darlin’. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
Our conversation fell into a comfortable lull where we both lost ourselves in thought. Mine naturally turned to Kasey. I missed her more than words could ever explain, and the minimal contact was killing me. Despite being dog-tired at the end of each day, I’d give anything to fall asleep with her via a video call.
I scratched at an invisible blemish on my jeans while carefully picking my words, trying to keep the waver of vulnerability from my voice. “Is Kase coming up next weekend for your birthday?”
“She is. According to her, she wouldn’t miss my birthday for all the dick in the world.”
I snorted. “That’s reassuring, I guess.”
“You know, she’s been asking a little more about you recently.”
That had my attention. “Really? And Posie?”
My buoyant heart fell when Simone’s expression gave away the answer. “Not so much. Baby steps, remember.”
“Yeah, I remember.” There had been countless baby steps to date, and while there were many more to come, I just wanted to have that giant leap that took us back to our happy days already.
I scrubbed both hands over my face, then stood. “Do you want something to drink?”
“No thanks. Oh—” Simone changed gears when she saw me check my phone, “—your mom called. I hope you don’t mind, but I answered it. She said to tell you that she’s contacted Connie, and Connie would absolutely love to be Posie’s nanny.”
Despite a weight immediately lifting from my shoulders, I grappled at the control strings to slow down the universe. Connie was a close and trusted friend of Mom’s whom my brothers and I knew well. She used to babysit us before Mom and Dad trusted us enough to be left at home without a sitter. And while I was terrified of someone else looking after Posie, I knew my clock was ticking and soon I’d need to return to work. Since Mom still worked a few shifts a week at Gallie Hospital, Connie was the next best option.
Still, I stared at my phone blankly while processing the update.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped my mark.” Simone’s voice held a hint of uncertainty.
It had my eyes immediately flicking up and meeting hers. “You didn’t at all, darlin’. It’s just…” I ran a hand through my sleep-mussed hair. “Another step into the unknown, ya know?”
Simone joined me in the kitchen. “It’s not for another couple of weeks, right? And Connie is an absolute darling. She’ll take the best care of Posie.”
“I know.”
Simone stomped on the invisible self-doubt before it fully sank its claws into me. “You’re an amazing dad, Reed. You gotta take care of yourself too, and that can be the hardest part.”
My eyes dropped to her inner forearms. They bore the scars of her battles, but Simone no longer hid them from the world. She’d fought her demons head-on once she let Banks in. Her body epitomized rising from the ashes, finding footing, and flourishing from the strength only love could create.
Wisps of those ghosts lingered behind her irises, then she smiled. “I made you a huge lasagna—it’s in the oven keeping warm.”
“You’re an angel, Simmy. Thank you. And for cleaning up my mess in here.”
She waved me off. “It’s the least I could do. Hey, I’m working tonight, but would you like me to hang around a while longer?”
“No, it’s okay. You’ve cared for my needy ass long enough. I’m going to smash back that lasagna before my girl wakes up.”
A little giggle escaped Simone’s smile. “She’s been asleep for almost two hours now, and there’s enough lasagna for leftovers later.”
I groaned and wrapped her in a massive hug while looking around my freshly cleaned kitchen. “You’ve been a godsend today. Thank you.”
Her arms squeezed my torso tight. “You’re welcome. All you need to do is ask, and I’ll come around whenever I can.”
“Thanks, sis,” I teased, following her to the front door.
She gave me a wry smirk while pulling on her shoes. “Sleep has reinstated your sense of humor, I see.”
“Bask in it while it lasts. Next time you see me, I’ll no doubt be the walking dead again.”
Simone’s laughter filled my entrance way. “I look forward to it. See ya, Reed. And remember to ring Mom back!”
I snickered. “Yes, ma’am.”
Grinning as I closed the door, I harnessed the wash of optimism. Four hours of unbroken sleep not only did wonders for my mental state, but it also breathed new life into my vow to win back Kasey’s heart.