Page 149 of Beautiful Secrets

“Water means everything will stay the same.”

Her hand tightens on my thigh.

I turn to look at her.

Get lost again.

We didn’t do presents. Mika said I’d already given her everything she’d ever wanted. I told her I didn’t want anything more—or less—than I already had.

But I just realized something.

The perfect gift was that cup of fucking water.

Everything will stay the same.

Mika.

Tavisha.

Nothing will change.

“It’s Christmas, rabbit. It’s the time of miracles,” I murmur, leaning closer so I can brush a kiss over her nose.

She giggles, and her eyes dart away when Tavisha starts gurgling.

I turn, putting down my cutlery so I can scoop Tavvy from her baby seat. I bounce her on my knee, turning my baby girl so she can see her mother. Tavvy immediately makes grabby hands for mommy, and I hand her over carefully—reluctantly—to Mika.

We glance at each other over the top of Tavvy’s head and smile.

Tavisha Tayna Hendry.

Our beautiful secret.

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