It wasn’t anyone’s fault. They’d all meant well. It had been an accident and one it was long past time to forgive themselves for. “We’re going to move past this. We’re going to do it as a family. I promise the next time I’m feeling guilty, I’ll talk about it. And the next time you think you’re a burden, tell me and I’ll remind you of all the ways you’re loved.”

He got to his knees and looked around for Lila. She should be here with them. She was the reason they were here. God, he needed to hold her, to tell her he was sorry for not understanding what she’d been trying to do.

He needed to tell her how much he loved her.

“I think she left,” Noelle said, allowing him to help her up.

Tanya was there, holding the wheelchair steady as he got to his feet and picked his daughter up. “She went back to the clinic. I think she was trying to give you two some space. Oh, Noelle, I’m so happy for you.”

His daughter was light in his arms, but he’d mistaken her size for fragility. Noelle was strong, and she could fight her way through this. He would be by her side. He needed to make sure Lila was with them. They weren’t complete without her.

Noelle settled in and nodded up at the therapist. “I want to try again. Lila said I should try at least three times.”

“I can make that happen, but we’re going slow. Lila will chew me out if I let you hurt yourself.” Tanya smiled Armie’s way. “It’s okay, Sheriff. I can handle the rest of the session if you want to go to the clinic and talk to her.”

“Can I have a minute with my daughter?” He needed to make something clear. There was no way to move forward without the most important part of his personal future.

“I’ll go grab us some water,” Tanya said with a wink. “Be right back.”

He turned to his daughter. “I’m going to marry Lila. I love her and I love you. I will always love you, but . . .”

Noelle held up a hand to stop him. “But I won’t be here forever, Dad. I’m going to go to college. I’m going to be a chemist and I’m going to have my own family. I love Lila, too. I can’t think of anyone I would want as a stepmom more than her. And, Dad, I know you’re scared of having more kids, but I think you should. I think I would be a great big sister.”