Page 55 of Rulebreaker

“How do you know that one?” I ask, grinning.

“Mommy plays it a lot. She said it reminds her of my daddy.”

I catch the look of surprise on Atlas’s face but he quickly masks it.

“Okay,” I say. “But then it’s bedtime.”

“Okay.” She nestles under the covers, and I clear my throat.

Headin’ down south it’s Christmas time

Decorations on the streets look so sublime

I got memories of you locked up tight

There’s no snow outside, but it’s Christmas time.

Frankie is mesmerized and Atlas seems a little lost in the lyrics as well. Luckily, she falls asleep before the second verse and we slowly slip out of the room.

“Your talent never fails to amaze me,” he says softly, sliding an arm around my waist.

“Thank you. I just can’t believe she knows that song.”

“Not a popular one?”

“It’s from my Christmas album so I rarely perform it. It’s alittle sad, about a woman who lost the love of her life, and how hard it is to get through the holidays without him.”

Our eyes meet.

“Briar never told us that Frankie’s father was the love of her life,” he says quietly.

“And there’s probably a reason for that. Don’t get involved, Atlas,” I warn gently. “Respect her boundaries. If you don't, it might blow up in your face.”

“I know,” he mutters. “That’s why I haven’t done anything to find him. But it pisses me off that he left them. I mean, if it didn’t work out with Briar, fine. I get it. Shit happens. But Frankie’s his child. A piece of him! How do you just walk away?”

“Maybe he had no choice. Maybe Briar asked him to. Don’t assume anything. Frankie is happy and healthy–what more does any child need?”

“I guess there’s that.” But he’s scowling.

We sink onto the couch and I let the topic drop. As a woman with secrets of my own, I respect Briar’s privacy. But there’s only so much I can say–Atlas is going to do what he wants.

I relax against him, suddenly tired. “Any word from the hospital?”

“Nothing.” He glances at his watch. “It’s only been three hours. First babies don’t usually come quickly. At least, according to the reading I’ve done.”

“You’ve read up on pregnancy and childbirth?” I ask.

He hesitates. “A little. I guess.”

I chuckle. “It’s not something to be embarrassed about. I think that’s wonderful.” I gaze up at him. “I thinkyou’rewonderful.”

His eyes burn into mine, and I swear I can see into his soul.

Our bond gets stronger every moment we’re together andthe time is coming for me to make some big decisions. Like whether or not I can tell him the truth. Bare my soul. Trust him not to throw it in my face or turn his back on me.

“I think that’s the first time anyone’s ever said that to me,” he whispers.

“Then they’re missing out on someone amazing.”