Page 40 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version

She hugs me, burying her face in my stomach. I pet her messy red curls. “Of course, Addy.”

“I want to sleep in Daddy’s bed. Will you sleep with me too?”

I gulp. Her dad’s bed?

“Oh, um, sure. Do you want water first?”

“No, thank you.”

She takes my hand and leads me to Reynold’s room. Why didn’t he warn me about this? He should have said something if she has a habit of sleeping in his bed. Especially since she wantsmeto join her.

She tells me to sleep on the left side because that’s ‘dad’s side’ and I do. I tuck us in and inhale Reynold’s scent on the blanket and pillow. Addy cuddles up to my side and within seconds, she’s fast asleep.

Her warmth, the soft sheets, and the heavenly mattress have me struggling to keep my eyes open.

Istartleawaketoa huge presence in the room.

“It’s just me,” Reynold whispers.

I lift my head, disoriented. Oh, right. I’m in Reynold’s bed. Now he’s home, standing on Adeline’s side.

“Sorry. She woke up upset and wanted to sleep in here. She asked if I’d come with her. I meant to text you to warn you, but I fell asleep.”

“It’s okay, Savannah,” he says quietly so as not to wake up Adeline.

“Why didn’t you tell me she does this?”

“Because she doesn’t.” He squats down and pets Adeline’s hair, smiling at her with all the love the world has to offer. “She’s never wanted to sleep in my bed.”

He clears his throat. Unshed tears fill his eyes, shining in the light of the lamp that Addy made me keep on because she’s scared of the dark.

“I didn’t mean to wake you. You can stay here. I’ll go sleep in a guest room.”

I sit up some more.

“No. This is your room. I’ll leave.”

“Daddy?” Adeline grumbles.

“Hey, Poppy.”

I rarely hear him call her that. He tends to do it when she’s tired or whiny. It’s cute and makes my heart burst because it reminds me how sweet this man is. How he gave up everything to care for her. Does he realize how amazing he is at being a father?

“Will you sleep with me and Savvy?”

“Oh, Darling. I don’t think—”

“Please,” she whines.

Reynold finds my eyes and silently, apologetically, asks for permission. I nod and offer him a sleepy smile.

I don’t even remember him getting into bed because the moment I lie back down; I fall asleep.

Chapter 9 – Reynold

Iwakeuptoa warm, soft body cuddling my side.

Savannah.