Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
His palms are hot against my skin, and his lips are warm, but when he dips his tongue out just to lick a spot on my inner thigh, the air-conditioning cools in contrast.
I wasn’t wrong earlier. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, but I recognize the feeling.
When he pulls back, he wipes his bottom lip, and then with the same thumb, he wipes mine. With a hand planted above my head, he stays there, leaning in, and then asks, “Want to go to a play with me tonight?”
23
Noah
Peeking into his room just after seven thirty, I couldn’t wait for Max to wake up.
His eyes are open, and he pushes himself to his feet with a big grin as if he’s been waiting on me for hours to save him. “Dada.”
“Hey, buddy,” I say, picking him up and hugging him to me. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
I change his diaper and rock him back and forth against my chest. His room is peaceful, the hour still early enough for him to relax in my arms.
“I don’t remember when I was your age, Max, but I remember my mom coming to get me in the mornings when I was a little older.” It’s only one core memory, but I remember how it made me feel. “I was old enough to walk and run, to tell my mom what I needed, but I didn’t need to. She already knew. She’d hold me in her arms when it was just the two of us. I never felt so safe, content to leave the day to start without us.”
A comforted smile crosses my mouth as I stare at my little guy. “I want that with you, buddy.” Blowing his lips, Max babbles and sits up, wiping his eyes. I whisper, “Good morning.”
“Sun,” he replies, pointing toward the window.
“Yeah, sun.” The word rolls around my mind and on my tongue.
I open the shade, and we stare out the window together. Leaning in, I kiss the side of his head, realizing the significance. “Son.” He glances at me, but then returns his attention back out the window. “It’s a nice view, kid, but one day, I’ll get to take you to my hometown. It’s called Beacon. Can you say Beacon?”
“Be.”
“Close enough.” I hold him in place on my lap as he looks uninterested. I’m not going to let that deter me. “Beacon is a little drive but not too far. You can meet my mom and dad, my brothers, and my sister. Your aunt Marina will love spending time with you.” Tickling his tummy, I ask, “Would you like that, Max? I know I would.”
We sit in the chair, and I hold him upright while he bounces on my legs. He hasn’t had breakfast, so I know our time is limited before hunger strikes. He’s like his mom that way, from what I’m gathering. Half a smirk consumes my face.
And then Max mimics me.
He’s not all his mom in characteristics. “I think we got another lady-killer on our hands.”
His leg goes straight out, and he pushes away. “You want down?”
“Dow.” Dow. He’s so close to saying new words. I don’t know what he’s supposed to say at his age, but I’m impressed. I set him on his feet. He holds on, but soon enough, he’s toddling away.
I won’t claim I’m not sleep-deprived. I am. But seeing him trying to leave . . . leave me hits me in the feels, making my chest ache. I’m unsure if it’s that or the harsh reality that I’m returning to my apartment today.
Without Max.
Without Liv.
Without my heart still intact.
Fuck.
It’s probably best if I don’t dwell on the inevitable. I scoop him up and bring him into the living room. Liv’s attention is captivated by the sight of him, and she’s already heading straight for him with her arms open wide. “Good morning, Maxwell.”
As I watch her hug him, the love she has for him on full display makes one thing certain. I could never harm him by keeping them apart for long, even if it hurt me. I must be strong for the sake of my son and for both of them.
She smiles when she opens her eyes. Her expression is soft and gentle in nature but also genuine. I understand this on a deeper level now, and I’ve only known him since Friday night. Max is mine. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around that fact. It feels too big to comprehend in such a short time.
I embrace them, dipping my head and placing a kiss on both of their heads. Liv doesn’t fight it. She leans in, wrapping her free arm around my back. Max is a wiggler, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. I always had trouble sitting still as well, but he doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation either. We’ll always make sure to shield him from our troubles.