Total pages in book: 180
Estimated words: 182075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
Well. That was true.
“All right,” she said. “I’m willing to try.”
“That’s my brave girl.”
He lifted her off the chair, sitting back down with with her on his lap, placing her sideways so she leaned back against his arm.
Grabbing the bottle of water, he held it to her lips.
“Slade,” she whispered.
“Shh. Daddy is taking care of you now. All you have to do is let me.”
He waited a few moments for her to think that through. Then she suddenly opened her mouth. He took that for acceptance. She sucked down several mouthfuls of water.
“That’s a good girl. I have you,” he said as he placed the bottle to one side and sat her up slightly, rubbing her back.
Then he reached over for a biscuit.
“What is this?” she asked.
“A lactation biscuit. To help. Not sure if it will work. But it can’t hurt, right?”
She stared at him before suddenly wrapping her arms around him. “Thanks, Daddy.”
“For what, Little one?”
“Everything. Thanks for everything.”
“Who is ready for bed?” Spencer sang as he strode into the bedroom
Indie startled sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “Oh, you startled me.”
Damn it. Rock frowned. She’d been so close. They’d spent about an hour learning some sign language together before he’d turned on a movie and they’d snuggled up together on the bed to watch it.
Spencer grimaced, obviously realizing that he’d just startled her awake.
Earlier, Slade had messaged to tell them that they needed to make more of the small decisions for Indie. To help with decision fatigue so she had more energy to put into everything else.
Which he completely agreed with.
His Daddy instincts were screaming at him to take over. To do everything for her. To coddle her, protect her. To ensure her needs any way that he had to.
“Sorry,” Spencer said.
Did you get kicked out? Rock signed.
Spencer grimaced. “Kicked out? Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Rock turned off the television as he sat as well.
“Yeah,” Spencer grumbled. “Don’t know why. I wasn’t doing anything but sitting in the chair and watching Hope sleep. I tried to explain that to the nurse, but she said I had to go get some sleep.”
Someone who hadn’t fallen for Spencer’s charm?
Practically unheard of.
“I should go in and check on her, then,” Indie said.
Rock looked over at the clock. It was after ten. No way was she doing that.
“I might stay the night in the chair,” she said.
“Or, you could stay here and get some real sleep,” Spencer said.
Rock nodded.
“I’ll be fine.”
But as she stood, she swayed.
Rock quickly moved, picking her up.
“I’m okay,” she protested.
“You were dizzy,” Spencer said as Rock cradled her against his chest.
“Just a small bit.”
“Sleep,” Rock said firmly. Then he nodded to the blanket at the end of the bed. Shit. He couldn’t sign with his hands busy. “Blanket. Spread. Bed.”
Spencer laid the blanket out and Rock placed her in the middle. Taking hold of her hand, he lifted it to her mouth. “Suck.”
Surprise filled her face, then some trepidation.
“No one will see you,” Spencer soothed. “We promise.”
Indie placed her thumb in her mouth with a small sigh.
Poor baby.
He wrapped her up tight and then picked her up to hold her against his chest once more.
Then he started to rock her slowly back and forth. For a moment, she fought him. Then it was like her body just gave in and she slumped against him.
Spencer glanced over at him, his eyebrows raised. Rock just nodded to him and continued to move her around until her soft snores filled the room.
Spencer saluted him and drew back the blankets on the bed so Rock could lie her down. They carefully unwrapped her and then climbed in next to her.
“Nice going, man,” Spencer whispered. “Next time I can’t go to sleep, I’m just going to come to you for a cuddle.”
Yeah. Not happening.
There were only two people in this world he’d rock to sleep like that. One he was holding in his arms and the other one was just down the hall.
His entire world.
69
Quaid stared down at Hope.
Protectiveness welled inside him. He’d do anything for her. For her mother.
Reaching out, he placed a finger on Hope’s small head. She’d reached a big milestone yesterday and had finally moved out of the incubator. Indie had cried.
Happy tears, she’d told them.
He’d still prefer that she didn’t cry any tears.
Indie’s incision had healed nicely and she appeared a bit more relaxed. But even though they’d started making the smaller decisions for her, she still seemed tired.
He moved his finger to Hope’s hand.
Her fingers and toes were still so tiny that it was frightening. But every day she got a bit stronger. Right now she looked so calm and peaceful as though she had no idea of all the excitement and terror she’d caused.
Which was as it should be.
The door opened and he turned, his stance protective. But he relaxed as Slade walked in with their girl.