Page 74 of The Edge Of Us

Jasper leaned in a little. "Then let me be the one who holds you down when you need it."

I blinked. My heart stumbled in my chest. And before I could say anything, Allen’s voice cut through the quiet.

"Astrid’s up."

We both looked up to see him holding her in his arms, her little arms wrapped loosely around his neck, half-asleep but stirring.

"She was asking for you," he added, gaze locking with mine.

I stood quickly, walking toward them. "Hey baby," I whispered, brushing a curl from her forehead. She blinked sleepily.

"Cake... again?" she mumbled.

Allen chuckled. "She’s definitely your daughter."

I smiled faintly, reaching to take her, but he pulled back slightly. "Let me hold her for a bit. I missed this."

Jasper stepped forward, now beside me. His expression didn’t change, but his presence alone was grounding.

"She had a great party," I said, trying to keep my tone even.

"Because of you," Allen said, eyes briefly drifting to Jasper before returning to me. "You always do everything right. I messed it up. I know that now."

I swallowed hard. "It’s a little late for that, Allen."

He glanced at Astrid, then back to me. "Maybe. But I still want to be here. For them. For you."

Jasper shifted slightly closer, but said nothing.

"You had your chance," I said, voice trembling slightly. "And you threw it away."

"Corinne—"

"No," I interrupted. "Don’t use today. Don’t use her birthday to make it about us."

Allen’s jaw tightened, but then he looked at Jasper, eyes narrowing slightly. "Just making sure you’re okay. That you’re not... distracted."

Jasper raised an eyebrow. "With Corinne? Never."

The silence was thick. Uncomfortable.

Then Astrid yawned and reached for me. I took her gently, pressing a kiss to her soft cheek.

"She’s tired," I said. "I should get her inside."

Jasper offered, "I’ll help."

Allen stepped forward. "I can—"

"It’s fine," I said quickly, already moving toward the door with Jasper beside me.

Inside, we laid Astrid on the couch. She curled into the pillows like a kitten, peaceful and unaware.

"He’s trying to get under your skin," Jasper said, quietly now.

I turned to him. "I know."

"Using Astrid like that... it’s not right."

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