Page 80 of Omega's Fire

“Six months,” Leo says eventually. “That would give me time for proper paternity leave, yes.” He glances at Emma in my arms, something soft in his expression. “I’d love to accept. When do you need an answer?”

The call continues for another ten minutes, Leo taking notes on the back of an envelope, asking questions about caseload and travel requirements and partnership track. When he finally hangs up, he’s grinning.

“I’ve just been offered a job. They want me,” he says, wonder in his voice. “Full-time associate position, starting in six months. Specialty in designation discrimination cases.”

“That’s incredible,” I tell him, and mean it. “Congratulations.”

“They said I’m ‘the man who changed Nash Thorndike’s mind,’” Leo adds with a laugh. “Apparently that carries weight in certain circles now.”

The comment should sting. Instead it fills me with pride.

“You deserve it,” I say simply. “You’ve worked incredibly hard.”

Emma chooses that moment to fuss, and I stand to walk her around the room, swaying gently until she settles. Leo watches us, something unreadable in his expression.

The moment stretches between us, loaded with things neither of us knows how to say. Then Emma yawns, that perfect newborn gesture that makes everything else seem less important, and Leo smiles.

“She’s tired,” he observes. “And so am I, honestly. The job offer is amazing, but I can barely think straight right now.”

“You should rest,” I agree, settling Emma back on her blanket. “I should go anyway. Let you recover.”

I make my goodbyes quietly, promising Michelle I’ll bring more supplies if they need anything, kissing Emma’s forehead one more time before I leave. Leo walks me to the door, movingslowly but steadily.

“Thank you,” he says as I reach for the door handle. “For everything. For bringing the baby things, for being here when she was awake. For... all of it.”

“You don’t have to thank me for wanting to be part of her life.”

“I know.” He leans against the doorframe, suddenly looking very young. “But I’m thanking you anyway.”

The rest of the day passes slowly—work emails I can’t focus on, a research paper I read three times without absorbing, dinner I eat without tasting.

By evening, I’ve accepted that this might be my new reality. Careful visits to see Emma, polite conversations with Leo, co-parenting from a respectful distance.

It’s not what I wanted. But if it’s what Leo needs, I can learn to live with it.

The knock at my door comes at 9:30 PM, soft but insistent. I open it expecting a neighbor or delivery driver, certainly not Leo standing in my hallway with Emma’s carrier in one hand and a overnight bag in the other.

“Hi,” he says, suddenly shy in a way that transforms his entire face. “I was wondering if that offer was still open.”

For a moment I can’t speak, can’t process what I’m seeing. Leo here, at my apartment, with our daughter and luggage and an expression that’s hopeful and terrified in equal measure.

“Of course,” I manage finally, stepping back to let them in. “Always.”

Leo enters slowly, taking in the space he’s never seen before. His scent immediately makes the apartment feel more like home than it has in months.

“The nursery is this way,” I say, leading him down the hallway. “Everything’s ready.”

I open the door to reveal the room I’d prepared so carefully,the crib and changing table and rocking chair all exactly where I’d imagined them. Leo steps inside, setting Emma’s carrier down gently, and turns in a slow circle.

“You really did get everything ready,” he says, wonder in his voice.

“I hoped,” I admit. “I didn’t know if you’d ever want to use it, but I hoped.”

Leo moves to the crib, running his hand along the rail I’d spent hours sanding smooth. “It’s perfect.”

“You don’t have to use this room,” I add quickly. “If you’d prefer to keep Emma with you, the master bedroom is large enough for the bassinet. I can sleep in here. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Leo turns to face me, something shifting in his expression. “Actually,” he says, voice soft but certain, “I was hoping I could sleep in your bed. With you. If that’s okay.”

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