“Did you mean that? Getting out of your contract?” Ella’s voice remained careful, her eyes watchful. I hated the chasm between us.

This time, I snorted with rueful humor. “Asher told me fame and money weren’t all that great. I thought he was blasé—I mean, he’s a freaking legend with plenty of money in the bank to do whatever he wants.” I couldn’t help it. I had to step closer, to smell her subtle scent—the lavender she kept in the coat closet and in her clothes drawers.

Ella plucked a tissue from her pocket and handed it to me. I wiped my wet cheeks and nose before shoving the soggy cotton into my pocket. I stiffened my shoulders and met her gaze. “But what I didn’t understand was I already had everything I needed and more than I deserved.”

I stretched my hand out, my finger trembling as I ran the very tips down her cheek. Her eyes closed and a pained expression crossed her face.

“I messed up. I know it. I can’t go back and change it. All I can hope for is that you can forgive me. That you’ll let me prove how much you mean to me.”

The pause between us grew. I couldn’t take it. If she planned to tell me to get lost, I needed one last connection. One last kiss to keep me warm and yearning for the rest of my lonely, dark days.

I leaned in, my head tilting right as she tipped her chin, dipping her forehead to the left. This, at least, was familiar. The shock of her lips zinged through me. Perfect. But different. Hers tasted of lemonade and a hint of ginger. I rubbed mine over hers, licking at the corners before sealing our mouths together. She clutched my coat low at my waist just above the rear pockets of my jeans. I moaned, desperate for her mouth, for her taste, for her love.

With a tremulous noise, Ella opened for me. I pressed my tongue inside, my right hand cupping her head as I delved in, then again and again, seeking the succor Ella had always provided.

Her tongue touched mine with a tentativeness that brought a growl to my throat. I didn’t want Ella timid. I wanted her vibrant and strong and the woman I’d fallen in love with.

I pulled her tighter to my chest, my need for oxygen making me light-headed, but I didn’t release her.

Not until light flutters skittered across my belly. I pulled back, and her hands fell to her sides. My eyes widened with the longing to feel my daughter move again.

She did. Barely more than the lightest drift of wind. But I felt her. I dropped to my knees, my lips pressed to Ella’s stomach, my arms wrapped as tight as I dared around Ella’s hips.