Chapter 23
TWENTY-THREE
CASSIUS
I stayed at my condo to look after a sleeping Millie and Mikey, which was better than dragging Millie to the hospital while Kelsey was treated and scanned.
Fortunately, by the time the kids woke at seven, Kelsey had been tucked in bed next to her daughter, and Mikey had woken with a wide grin in the middle of me and Dylan.
I’d since urged Kelsey and Dylan to try to get more sleep while I entertained the three- and four-year-old with coloring, multiple TV shows, and I’d encouraged them to make a fort out of the sofa cushions and the blanket throws.
I smiled at their giggles. They were watching something on the iPad in their fort and were surrounded by teddies we’d made sure to stuff in one of Mikey’s bags. Quiet chatter and high-pitched squeals after the night we’d all had were the most soothing of sounds.
“Please tell me the coffee’s fresh.”
I grinned at my bleary-eyed husband. Even disheveled and bone-tired, he looked delectable.
“It’s a fresh pot, and we even have creamer.”
My fridge had been bare. Fortunately, I had several cafés and restaurants on speed dial, so I had ordered us all breakfast. I’d also ordered groceries, which had been delivered about thirty minutes ago, so my pantry and refrigerator looked much healthier.
“I love you.”
Not sure if Dylan was talking to his coffee or me, I leaned into him when he stopped at my side where I’d been standing, watching the kids.
“You are talking to me, right?”
After taking a sip, Dylan snorted out a light chuckle. “Yes?”
“Asshole,” I mumbled, moving to stand before him so I could kiss him good morning properly.
When Mikey woke and I’d gotten out of bed with him, Dylan’s kiss had been by rote.
Come to think of it, I was sure only one eye had opened.
He’d been super quick to offer me a grateful hum when I told him to sleep.
Not two seconds later, his breathing had changed, and he’d been out for the count.
After capturing a kiss from him, I sighed, content at the contact. He peered up at me, his gaze soft.
“Thanks for looking after the kids.”
“No need to ever thank me for being Mikey’s dad.”
A slow shake of his head and he trailed his fingers over my jaw. “You know you’re perfect, right?”
I quirked my lips, a shit-eating grin settling quickly. “I’ve been told a time or two, but feel free to tell me that as often as you want.”
Chuckling, he dotted a brief kiss on my lips before all but inhaling the rest of his coffee.
“Are you still tired?” I asked.
“Yeah, but I’ll be okay. I also called the station.”
I sat beside him on the kitchen stool, waiting for him to give me more. While there was lots of work-related stuff he never shared with me, he knew I was in this.
“The chief charged Nolan this morning. He was still drunk. The house was trashed, and he took a swipe at Jack.”
“Shit, really?” My eyebrows shot high. “Dumb fuck move.”
“Definitely. What’s even better is Jack saw it coming and let it happen.”
Shock slammed into me. “So that means what?”
“On top of the DV charge, he’s also being charged with assaulting a police officer. That and criminal damage since at some point during the night, he must have driven his car and ended up crashing into the bus stop over on Tenth Street.”
What a dick for brains.
“And that’s good, right?” I pressed.
“With his priors, it’s likely he’ll be doing time.”
My shoulders sagged, knowing that the little girl giggling with our boy would remain safe, as would her mom.
“I’ve spoken to Bernard in security,” I said, referring to the building’s main security guy. “He knows they’re going to be staying here for as long as they need. I’ve also told him Nolan’s name. He won’t be allowed access.”
Hopefully the latter wouldn’t be an issue if Nolan didn’t make bail.
“I want to help her and Millie set up a home. Wherever she wants. Help her find her feet. I just want to know she’s okay.” How could I not?
Kelsey had saved me twice. She was an incredible woman and mom. That I was in the privileged position to make a real difference in her life was a no-brainer. I’d help Kelsey however I could.
Reaching out, Dylan held my hand. “You’re amazing. Thank you. And thank you for yesterday… today… for offering up your home.”
Immediately, I shook my head, frowning. “This is not my home. You know that. That’s wherever you and Mikey are.”
“I’m sure there are songs about that,” my asshole husband teased.
“Most likely,” I shot back. “There’re plenty about soul mates and falling in love with your best friend too.”
The smile he sent me shot directly to my chest. I clung to the feeling, memorized this moment along with the hundreds of others we’d already shared. Each one reminded me how incredible he was. How much I loved him.
And with Mikey’s innocent giggles drifting through the condo, I brought Dylan’s hand to my lips and pressed a kiss to his warm skin. An unspoken vow to keep loving them both, for now and for always.