Page 32

Is he going to fire me? Kick me out? Tell me that he’s not changing his mind and doesn’t want this to go anywhere?

Maybe he just wants someone older, someone that isn’t broken and can have children, or already has children of their own. Even if he says he’s too old for more children. Maybe he was just letting me down easy.

I shake my head at myself and close the door behind me before practically racing to my own room. The house is silent. So either the girls are still sleeping, or they’re out back or something.

I step into my room and notice that my bed is still made, my closet door is still thrown open, and there’s still some of my clothes scattered on the floor from when I packed up hastily.

Were the girls okay last night? Did they sleep with their dad?

I hope they went to him for comfort. I’m not sure I can stay here, live here, and watch him date and fall in love with someone else.

I already showered this morning, so I just toss my bags on the floor at the end of my bed, slip out of my shoes, and then stalk to the kitchen. It doesn’t smell like anyone made anything yet, so I get started on scrambling up some eggs, scooping up some avocado, and chopping fruit.

Avery sleepily joins me in the kitchen and wraps her arms around me, burying her head into my side. “Please don’t leave, Lily… I love you.”

I frown and hug her back, bending down to kiss her head. “I’m always here for you, Ave. Did you sleep okay last night?”

She shrugs and still holds on, so I try to finish up breakfast with her wrapped around me like an octopus.

“I slept with Nessa and Tilly in their room last night.”

I shake my head and lightly move around so that I can plate everything on the island. She reluctantly lets go and helps me by grabbing some water and juice from the fridge before pouring everything in glasses and a sippy cup for Tilly.

“What about your dad?”

She sends me a look. “I don’t know… Nolan was over last night, they were in the backyard when Nessa woke me up. So we just went back into her room instead of bothering them.”

I chuckle and wash my hands before I set her plate over at her stool.

“Your dad would have dropped everything to comfort you girls, I hope you know that.” I wink at her and lean down to start eating my food.

I hear Tilly and Nessa coming our way, so I rush over to grab the high chair before they tackle me and make a big mess.

I scoop them both up into my arms and kiss their heads. I breathe in the sweet scent of their shampoo and close my eyes. I feel the hot tears building up behind my eyes. I don’t know if I can ever walk away from these girls.

I knew that from day one.

I stand, clear my throat, and get them situated with their food. I try to send them a smile, but I know that it falls flat. I really need to talk to Morgan.

He hasn’t come out yet, so I just toss his food in the oven and set it on ‘warm’, then I help Tilly finish up her food, snickering under my breath when she smashes her avocado all over her cheeks and into her hair.

Oh well.

“Ave, you have to leave for school soon, go ahead and get ready, I got the girls.” She blinks at me for a few seconds before turning and heading down towards her room.

“Now, you girls… head down to your bedroom and I’ll meet you there.

” I set Tilly down after I wipe her down and watch as they chase each other down the hall, and I focus on shoving everything into the sink and following after them.

As I’m stepping into Tilly and Nessa’s room, Morgan comes rushing from his bedroom, shoving a shirt over his head. His dark hair is in fifty different directions from how he slept. His eyes are bloodshot and his cheeks are flushed. Yikes, must have been a rough night with Nolan.

“Hey,” he chokes out and awkwardly crosses his arms over his chest, rocking back and forth on his heels.

I frown at him and nod. “Hi… I’m getting the girls ready. I’ll take Avery to school.” I turn and lead the girls to their bathroom so that I can help them wash their faces and hands, brush their teeth and hair, then I get them dressed.

Maybe we can just play at the park for a bit after we drop Avery off. Some vitamin D sounds fantastic.

Morgan’s still waiting in the hall as we step out and I send him a look. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “I slept through my alarm, I don’t need to be at the rink until tomorrow, so I guess… I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting Nolan to show up.”

I shrug at him and knock on Avery’s door while I think up a reply. “Well… Glad you had a good night.”

He grunts at me and leans against the wall, merely inches from my body. “It would have been better if you were here.” He leans closer and kisses my cheek, his scruff and warm lips light me on fire and I work on holding myself back, not wanting to shudder or moan out loud.

He winks at me before he stalks back to his bedroom and shuts the door. I shake my head and smile at Avery when she opens her door. Her hair is up in a bun and she already has her backpack, shoes, and socks on, along with her pressed uniform.

She smiles softly before we head over to the playroom to grab the girls, then we get into the car. Avery requests some music and I hand her my phone so that she can fiddle with the music so that I can focus on the road.

Today is going to drag, I know it.

What does Morgan want to talk about? He kissed my cheek and still flirted with me, so I’m hoping he’s not kicking me out or firing me. I’m not getting my hopes up that he actually wants to move forward with some type of relationship.

I have enough money saved from the astronomical salary he’s paying me to get a place with Makenzie if it really comes down to it.

Avery jumps out of the car and I try to shake out of my thoughts as I drive the younger girls back home. “Do you little ladies want to play at the park for a bit? We can go home for lunch and a nap?”

Nessa and Tilly both squeal with excitement and I finally smile a real smile for the first time today.