Page 97 of Pieces of Us
“You need to understand that I need to live life my way. It won’t look like yours.”
“I know.”
“And Millie will be the same way—free to choose who she wants to be.”
“I know.”
I start to cry. “I missed you so much. I was pregnant and couldn’t talk to my own mother about it. Promise me you’ll never break communication with me again for the sake of punishing me.”
She grabs me a tissue and leans over me, running her hand through my hair.
“Never again, Melonie. I’m so sorry.”
She kisses my forehead and holds my hand.
Linc stirs in the chair. He looks at me and my mother, his eyes turning dark. “Mel, everything okay?”
I nod. “Yeah, Linc. We’re good.”
My mom turns to him. “Linc, I apologize for the things I said months ago. And thank you for taking care of Melonie.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for apologizing. I can go grab a coffee if you two need some time.”
“No, I’m going to grab Sam and we’ll get some lunch. The doctor said you can go home in a couple of days. Your father and I are staying for a week or two, so we can help with anything you need.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She kisses my cheek and taps my hand. “Get some rest and I’ll see you later.”
She walks out the door, and I release a heavy breath. “How is Millie?”
“She was sleeping when I left her a little while ago. She’s eating well now—finishing her whole bottle.”
“You’re a pro with her already.”
“We’ve become besties.” He smiles at me. “Are you hungry?”
“Do you think you can sneak in some pancakes?”
“Extra syrup?” He uses one hand to hold mine, and with the other to text Marcus to pick up food.
“Definitely extra syrup.”
Chapter Sixty-Six
Linc
Mel spent five days in the hospital. Millie will come home in another week.
The past couple of days have been a constant cycle of sitting with Millie in the NICU, helping Mel around, and organizing the nursery.
Mel doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve had Audrey, Jax, Gigi, and Marcus working to finish Millie’s room. Melonie’s favorite color is purple, so we worked in different shades in the bedding and art on the walls. The furniture is finished, and all the clothes are washed and ready.
Knowing it’s done makes me want my girls home. I want normal. To me, normal would be seeing Mel on the couch andhearing Millie crying on the monitor. I’m sick of the smell of a hospital.
Mel is currently signing paperwork, and I pull Audrey aside. “Is everything ready?”
“Everything is done. Melonie’s going to love the nursery.”
