I pushed those thoughts from my head and watched as Winnie drifted off to sleep. The kitten soon made an appearance and lay on Aurora’s hip, quickly dozing off.
Even though I would have given anything to spend the evening with Aurora naked in my arms, the three of us lying under the stars on Winnie’s ceiling seemed to be even better.
“You know we’re going to fall asleep here, don’t you?” I whispered.
Giggling, Aurora whispered back, “If you fall asleep, I’ll wake you up.”
I winked as I laced my hand with hers over Winnie’s head. Before I knew it, both of my girls were sleeping peacefully.
My girls.
Forever and always.
Aurora
The feel of something soft against my cheek caused my eyes to open. I nearly screamed when beady brown eyes stared back at me. It took me a hot second to realize it was only Perry, Winnie’s stuffed moose.
“Rora!” Winnie whispered before kissing me right on the lips. I giggled and pulled her in for a hug. The sunlight was shining through the window, alerting me that I had indeed fallen asleep in Winnie’s bed last night.
“Good morning, Peanut.”
My eyes looked past her to see Liam still sleeping.
“Oh dear,” I whispered when I realized what Liam and I had done last night. The feel of his hand and mouth on my body made it instantly tingle. I pushed the thoughts away since Winnie was staring at me with bright, innocent eyes. The sound of purring was coming from somewhere near the bed. The kitten had slept here as well all night.
Sitting up, Winnie turned to Liam and leaned down. I thought she was going to whisper, but she cried out, “Daddy!”
Liam flew up and instantly slipped off the bed and hit the ground.
“Oh my gosh, are you okay?” I asked, trying not to laugh as I sat up and looked over Winnie to the floor.
When he popped up and looked around confused, I lost the battle and laughed. Winnie laughed as well, and the kitten got up and stretched. She had certainly made herself at home.
“What? Why?” he asked before his eyes landed on me. A brilliant smile appeared, and I couldn’t help but smile back. I could feel my cheeks warming and fought the urge to put my hands on them. By the look on his face, he was remembering last night as well.
“Kitty?”
As if knowing she was being called, the kitten popped up and made her way over to Winnie.
“We really need to name her,” I said as I stroked her back. When she reached up and swatted at one of Winnie’s curls, she giggled.
“That dang cat played with my feet all night long,” Liam said, stretching his arms up. “My neck is killing me.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked, sitting up and pulling Winnie onto my lap, where she promptly snuggled.
“You were sleeping so peacefully, and I liked knowing you were here.”
I smiled. Then panic set in. Not the regret kind of panic. But the kind that said you own a bookstore and you’re supposed to open this morning.
“What time is it?”
Liam glanced at his watch, then said, “Seven thirty.”
Leaning back against the headboard, I let out a sigh. “Oh, thank goodness.”
The kitten joined us as she curled up on Winnie’s lap.
Liam walked around the bed and leaned down to kiss Winnie on the forehead. “Good morning, princess.”
