Tomorrow, I have to tell him everything before we move forward.

I owe him that much.

CHAPTER 15

So Fast – Griff

Declan

Addie: I’m free at eight. After team dinner.

Ireadthetextandturn to find her on the plane, but I can’t see her from my seat. I wish she were sitting beside me, but I’m stuck with Henry, whose head is resting on my shoulder as he snores.

I am a wonderfulfriend for not takingtoomany photos of him and sending them to his wife.

Addie: For our date.

If it’s still happening.

Me: Been planning it all day.

Addie: Planning?

I figured we would just watch a movie or something.

Me: You deserve far more than ‘a movie or something’.

Addie: Oh, alright.

Should I bring anything?

Me: Meet me in the lobby at eight. Wear something comfortable.

Henry rustles at my side, leaning his head against the window, and I take the opportunity to stretch my legs. If I happen to see a certain nutritionist on my walk, well, that would just be icing on the cake.

A head of auburn hair peeks out from the back row of the plane, I casually walk to the back. No one pays me any attention, and I slide into the empty seat beside Addie.

She leaps and barely bites back a scream.

“You scared me!” she hisses, clutching her chest. “What are you doing back here?”

“I didn’t want to wait until tonight to see you.” She blushes, and fuck me, a flood of inappropriate thoughts flood my mind. “What are you doing?”

“The girls are sending me updates about Nora.”

Addie hands over her phone, and I flip through a dozen photos of Nora. Her in the back of Maren’s car. In the toy aisle at the store. Sitting on Maren’s couch, surrounded by craft supplies. Nora's mouth is dripping with blood, and she holds her front tooth in her palm. She’s grinning like it’s the best thing to ever happen. Sawyer looks horrified in the background.

“They look like they’re having fun,” I say, giving back her phone.

Addie looks at the photos once more, and a flash of melancholy longing passes over her. Her voice is but a whisper when she says, “I’m missing it. Her first tooth.” I rub her bicep, and her head rests on my shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I’m missing it, and that kills me, but at the same time…”

“You’re not worried or upset to have left her with the girls,” I finish for her.

Her silence is heavy, and I hear what she doesn’t voice out loud.She feels guilty that she’s enjoying time alone.

“There’s nothing wrong with needing time for yourself. Does she look upset that you’re here and not with her?” I jerk my head toward her phone, where another photo appears of Nora holding a small purple flower in her hand. “She’s having the best time with the girls, picking flowers and losing teeth. Now it’s your turn to have some fun.”

She rests a hand on my forearm. “Thank you. For making it happen. Nora is having the time of her life.”