Page 128 of Sloane

“I’m sorry I haven’t been here to help you with that. Although,” I looked at the counter sheepishly, avoiding eye contact with her. “I’m here now, and I’m not sure how much help I could offer.”

She nodded toward Millie. “Do you think she’s going to be running around here someday?”

Her change of topic threw me off-guard, and I answered honestly. “I have no doubt.”

“Do you expect her to be running around next week?”

“Of course not.”

“Of course not,” she echoed. “Everything takes time, but it will happen. You just have to put in the work and be patient. You’ll get there. I read your file last night. Your last PTA said you’re dedicated to your recovery, and she expects you to make great progress now that you’re mobile.”

“That’s the goal.”

“It’s a good goal.” She was silent for a beat, then took a deep breath. “So”—she put the bowl down—“this is your daughter.”

I hung back and admired my little girl from a distance. She was so little. And beautiful. She looked like Ashley but with my eyes.

“How did something so perfect come from me?” I whispered in awe.

“She’s not perfect. I’ll let you change her diaper and that idea will quickly be put to rest.”

I laughed. She really was my kid.

“Do you want to hold her?”

Ashley’s question made me freeze.

“I don’t think I—”

She was already lifting Millie from her seat.

“Just sit down on the couch. You’ll be fine.”

Even as I protested, I ambled toward the couch. She stood next to me holding Millie once I sat down, and I asked, “Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t suggest it if I wasn’t. You can maneuver your walker; I have no doubt you can hold her.”

Then she laid the little girl in my arms, and I looked down at her button nose, perfect bow lips, and bright blue eyes. That’s all it took, and I was fucking gone.

“Hi, baby girl. It’s nice to meet you,” I whispered as I dropped a kiss to her forehead. “I’m your dad.”

****

Ashley

My breath caught in my throat, watching Sloane hold Millie for the first time.

He was so gentle with her, and even though I knew he was originally nervous to hold her, his body relaxed when he began to talk to her.

“What’s her full name?” he asked while he continued staring at her.

“Amelia Sloane Youngman.”

I couldn’t decipher his smile when he looked up at me.

“At least I got middle-name billing. It’s probably more than I deserve.”

Part of me wanted to throw shade and agree with him. Remind him that he’d ghosted us, but then I realized there wouldn’t be any point. Nothing I could say would change things, and he seemed genuinely remorseful.

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