Z reaches over and runs his hand over Chance’s back. “No, buddy. Sorry if we woke you. Your mom and I were having an interesting talk. That’s all.”

Interesting. I snort. That’s one way to put it.

Chance places his hands against my shoulders and pushes backwards to stare at me as if he needs confirmation.

“That’s all it was,” I say. “I’m sorry if we scared you.”

“Not scared,” he insists. “Of nothin’.”

“That’s my boy.” Z chuckles and it seems to put Chance at ease.

Z

There isn’t a sight in this world more beautiful than my woman with our son in her arms.

Even if I do want to strangle her at the moment.

She frustrates the fuck out of me.

Lilly has to be the tightest bundle of secrets and contradictions I’ve ever encountered. Still, there isn’t another person in this world I want to unlock as much as her.

I don’t like that we woke Chance, though. I spent years hiding in my room while my parents fought when I was a kid. It’s not what I want for my son. Not ever.

The urge to leave and get away from them before I do some damage rises up and I barely hold it together.

“Can I have a doggie?” Chance asks, breaking up the tightness in my chest.

Lilly gives him a soft smile and taps his chest. “You have two doggies. Remember? Ziggy and Zipper?”

Something about the easy way she reminds him of my dogs reassures me everything’s going to be okay. Whatever this fuckery is between us right now will get resolved. And when it does, all this turmoil and confusion will have been worth it.

“Yes!” Chance grins and looks to me to make sure it’s true.

“Yeah, buddy. They’re going to come stay with us at the new house. They’ll look after you and Mommy while I’m at work.”

He lets out a big yawn and Lilly scoots to the edge of the couch. “Let’s put you back to bed.”

“Nooooo.” Chance’s little cheeks turn red and tears well up in his eyes. “I wanna sleep with you.”

Lilly hesitates, a troubled expression wrinkles her forehead. “Why, baby?”

He squeezes his arms around her neck even tighter. “Because.”

Her gaze slides my way and I shrug, unsure of what she expects me to say. Does she think I’m an asshole who’s going to tell my kid to ‘man up’ or something? He’s two-and-a-half years old, we woke him up in the middle of the night, and now he wants his mom. I’m not stupid. I get it.

All my concerns turn into a puddle of mush when he reaches one little hand toward me. “Daddy, too.”

“Yup,” Lilly reassures him. “Daddy’s coming too.”

When I find my voice, I answer, “Right behind you.”