Page 148 of Raise Me Up

Daddy, you need todrink more water.

I let her baby me, knowing if I refuse, it will upset her. She’s the perfect mix of my two favorite people loving each other, and that’s something special.

She’sspecial.

She may not have my genes, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Now we don’t have to be concerned about her inheriting my predisposition to develop brain tumors.

Honestly, there was no hope of her growing up normally. Not with three parents—two of which are well-known musicians. And not with me having to undergo surgery before her second birthday when my doc found another mass during a routine MRI.

My health has unfortunately had an impact on us all, but anytime I get in my feels about it, Lilah takes my face in her little hands and glares at me until I break into soft laughter because seeing that kind of fierce expression on a three-year-old is wild.

I can’t say it’s been all negative. Lilah is the most cautiously gentle and observant child I’ve ever come into contact with.

Chuckling, I watch her zip on by for another lap around the house.

Max’s daughter skids into view seconds later, slamming into the hallway and rattling the collage of pictures we’ve hung over the years of our vacations. She’s wearing a Halloween cheetah costume Max says she refuses to take off, even though it’s several sizes too small.

“Super cat speed!” she yells, following this up with her best impression of a menacing growl.

We’re not sure where her personality came from—I’ve never met her mom—but I have to put some weight on Max’s inability to tell the girl no.

At six years old, she’s running the show.

From somewhere in the house, Lilah squeals in terror. By the time I rush into the kitchen to save her, Liam has already scooped her up onto his broad shoulder.

When Lilah grabs onto his bun in what has to be a death grip, Liam just hums with laughter and secures a big, inked hand over her tiny leg.

My heart kicks my ribs hard. I don’t think I would have fought so hard for each day if not for them in my life.

“The tiger got to you, huh?” I smirk at Liam’s rainbow-painted nails. More polish covers his skin than anything else.

“Hey. It’s an upgrade to go with his pretty hair.” Felicity pouts for all of three seconds before launching herself at Liam’s leg like a beast trying to scale a tree.

Max rubs at his brows. “I’m raising a feral animal.”

I pat a hand on his back. On top of being a single parent, his workload as the CFO at a new company has him wound more tightly than normal. We’ve done what we can to help support him by babysitting Felicity when issues pop up with daycare or illness.

Liam chuckles as he peers at Felicity. “Down, kitty. You can’t have this one.”

Felicity roars again, drawing an airy laugh from Stasi as she sweeps in through the back patio door.

The friend group we’ve solidified over the years—our yoga brunch crew, Ascension Record’s staff, and whatever members of Atonement are in town at the time—are gathered in the backyard for a cookout.

Stasi’s instantly drawn to Lilah, arms reaching up to snatch her from Liam’s shoulder. At first, he turns his body away, not willing to part with her. Then Stasi levels him with a fiery look that has my cock taking notice.

I’m almost tempted to join the gym to watch their power dynamic unfold there, too. But also, ew to working out.

Stasi dips Lilah in her arms and peppers her cheeks with kisses, earning some of the most heavenly giggles. Liam flips Felicity upside down and carries her outside, shutting the door on her growls.

Lilah reaches for me. “Want daddy!”

Syrupy warmth spreads through me. I’m not sure anything else could ever compare to being loved unconditionally by a child. It’s an experience I’ll cherish no matter the challenges that may come with my health in the future.

“Don’t you want mommy, Lilah?” Stasi asks, rocking our sweet baby in her arms.

Lilah squirms harder. “Want daddy!”

Stasi pouts as she walks her over to me. “This isn’t fair.”