32. Winnie
It’s still dark out when my eyes flutter open with the need to pee, but before I move, I’m distracted by someone talking. Not just someone, but my boyfriend. I’ve never known Reese to talk in his sleep, but maybe it’s a habit he’s picked up over the years.
But when his fingers caress my abdomen, I realize he’s not talking in his sleep—he’s talking to our baby. His face is close to my stomach, and he’s brushing soft, gentle circles across it. I stay still, hoping not to interrupt this moment for him.
“The whole not cussing thing is really fu-f-freaking hard, but I’ll quit by the time you’re born. At least I’m going to try really hard. For you. There’s hardly anyone in this world I would change for, but you and your mama are at the top of that list. I want to be the best version of myself because you deserve that. My dad sucked, so I don’t know how good I’ll be, but I promise I will never fail you. I will hold you when you cry, change your diapers, feed you, teach you to ride a bike, and to skate better than your mom.”
I have to stop myself from giggling, but the tears pouring down the side of my face are doing a pretty good job at stopping any giggles from breaking out.
“I’m going to be the best fucking dad.”
Unable to help myself, I slip my hand into his hair. He jolts but quickly settles.
“You are going to be the best dad.”
Reese is silent for a few moments before he whispers, “I’m scared, Win.”
“You don’t need to be, Reese. You are the best guy I know.”
“Just not when I’m drunk, right?” He’s trying to make a joke, but it falls flat.
“It was a bad night. That’s all. I’m sorry I ever compared you to Robert. You are nothing like him, Reese. Nothing, okay?”
He kisses my stomach. “You have the best mom, kid.” The mattress dips as he crawls his way up my body, settling to the side. It’s dark, but I can just barely make out his sharp features.
“Did I wake you?”
Oh, shit. I totally forgot why I woke up, but now it hits me tenfold. I kick the blankets off my lower body and scurry from the bed.
“Win?”
“I have to pee!”
Reese’s chuckles carry through the room while I do my business. He’s waiting for me with open arms when I walk back into the room, and I crawl into them, settling beside him with my head, arm, and leg draped across his body.
I’m just drifting back to sleep when Reese mutters, “Thank you.”
I tilt my head up to look at him. “For what? You’re the one who put the baby inside me.”
His teeth snap together, and I can imagine the biggest grin across his handsome face, and it makes me smile. “While that’s very true and I am thankful for that. I meant thank you for coming back into my life. It was dark without you. Lonely. And I didn’t realize it until you came back. So thank you.”
“Me too.” I curl into his side, and he kisses my forehead.