“I would,” he admitted.
“I’m fine, Luca. Just taking it easy.”
He acted as if I would break at any second. Coming home to his concerns was worse than staying at the hospital and having someone knock on the door every two or three hours to bother me, but I knew he meant well.
“They’re on the way now. My mom is bringing them on her way home.”
“Good.”
“You need anything?”
“Just my girls and for you to relax.”
“I’m cool. I just need you to relax.”
With a shake of my head, I rested my back against the headboard. It felt so good to be home. Even the air smelled different at Luca’s. It smelled fresher, better, and the city view brought me comfort that was inexplicable. I’d missed everything about Luca and his home and the girls and my apartment. I couldn’t wait to get back into the swing of things.
“I know my customers are going to kill me. I’ll have to cancel a few cake orders and refund them. I know I’ll be down for at least another week with my ribs healing so slowly.”
“We can worry about that later. Lyric has your business line and has been trying to figure out where your schedule is. I know you don’t like help in the bakery, but maybe a temporary assistant until you’re fully recovered is a good idea. You might actually appreciate the help more than you know. A few days a week won’t hurt.”
“I’m sure I’ll need the help.”
“Mommy!” Little hands and little feet came bursting through the bedroom door, bringing me so much joy.
Emorey was the first to climb up and get in my lap. Essence followed suit, but sat right up under me. I wrapped my arms around them both. With sweaty palms and bright eyes, I kissed them all over their small faces. The fulfillment of seeing them brought me was unmatched.
“I missed you two so much.”
“Mommy, you feel better?” Emorey inquired, always the inquisitive one of the two.
“Mommy feels so much better.”
“My old daddy hurt you?”
“Let’s not talk about that, Emorey,” I quieted her, placing a finger to my lip for emphasis.
“I got a new daddy, Mommy,” she told me in a low whisper.
“Do you?”
“Me, too,” Essence joined.
“Really?”
“He name Daddy.” Emorey beamed with joy, looking over at Luca.
“Really?”
“Umm hmmm.”
“Well, guess what, guys?”
I felt that there was no better time to tell them about the bundle of joy their new daddy had blessed us with. I looked to Luca before focusing on the girls again.
“What, Mommy?”
“What?”
