“I’ll come in a minute,” he said and moved to sit on my other side. “Are you really better? I heard Uncle Levi talking about your pressure and your blood. I was on the stairs listening. Uncle Ash made me come back to bed. He said you were going to be okay, and I should go back to sleep, so you won’t worry about me. So, are you okay? What was on your arm?” My eyes closed, then I opened them, ready to face it all head-on.

“I had an anxiety attack.”

Luke’s arm tightened around me, but he didn’t say a word.

“I got too tired and too worried. I woke up to get Calla when she cried, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I scared Grandma and Grandpa, and they called an ambulance. Uncle Levi was the paramedic who came over. Uncle Cade came too.”

“I saw Grandpa carry you. I saw you sitting on his lap,” Dylan said, clearly still worried about me.

“I’m sorry you saw that. I’m sorry that I scared you. But I’m okay now. I let them help me feel better, and I’ll keep letting them help, so I don’t get so tired again. I promise I’m okay, Dylan.”

He hugged me, and I felt him nod against my side.

“I love you, bug,” I whispered.

“I love you too, Mommy. Is Luke going to take care of you too?”

“Yes. I am. I’m always going to take care of your mom. And you too, Dylan. I’m sorry I wasn’t here last night. I would have been if I’d known you needed me.”

I looked up at Luke. “It happened fast. I had been asleep. Maybe I should have called you, but I just went back to bed when it was over. The kids were okay. Ash and everyone were here.”

“Lily, if you’re about to apologize to me, don’t. I understand, and I’m here now. Don’t worry.”

I nodded, then he leaned forward and kissed me softly. On the lips.

“You kissed my mom.”

Uh-oh. No, it might as well all come out. I wasn’t letting Luke go, so this was a done deal anyway.

“I love your mom,” Luke said. So simple, as it should be. As it would be.

“And I love Luke. And we both love you,” I added.

“Do you love Calla?” Dylan asked Luke. That odd, grown-up look was on his face again, showing me the kind of big brother he was, and what kind of man he would become.

“How could I not?” Luke answered. “She might just be the cutest baby girl I’ve ever seen. Plus, she’s yours, and your mom’s. She might not be my blood, but she has all of my love, like you do, Dylan.”

I fought back happy tears as I watched Dylan launch himself into Luke’s arms.