slid from the bed. Pulling a pair of gray sweatpants out of the bag my mom had given Piper, I slipped into them and left the bedroom.
A part of me expected Piper to want things back to the way they were. But were they even good then? I fucked her three times. Once in another country after stalking her beautiful ass, once in a bar, and the last time was in a car. Although, I probably shouldn’t have done that, she never complained.
Heading to the living room, my eyes landed on the box on the floor by the couch. Maybe I should read more of those journals, then I can get to know her better. I could figure out what she needed. What both of them needed and maybe I could figure out what I needed just the same.
Taking the box with me, I headed to Brynn’s room. I opened the door quietly and slipped inside. I never had a chance to tell Piper, but I loved the design of the room. It was warm and inviting. With a soft yellow for the walls, white furniture, and pigs of all shapes and sizes everywhere.
I smiled, my heart thumping hard at the love you could feel just by standing within the four walls.
Brynn was sleeping soundly in her crib and as much as I didn’t want to disturb her, I needed to feel her in my arms. I had heard that a baby could bond with their parent from having skin on skin contact. It was worth a shot and I was willing to try anything to help Brynn know exactly who I was.
Gently taking off her onesie without disturbing her, I lifted her in my arms. She cooed, stirring awake.
“Hey, baby girl,” I murmured, holding her against my chest.
She sighed, sucking on her soother. Her deep gray eyes fluttered closed, another sigh leaving her.
I chuckled, bringing her to the rocking chair in the corner of the room and kicking the box closer, so I could read while holding her.
Getting comfortable, I rested an ankle on the opposite knee, grabbed a journal, and began reading.
I felt the baby kick for the first time today. It was an odd feeling. Kind of like butterflies fluttering around in my belly. I was alone when it happened, so I couldn’t really celebrate with anyone. But I called up Luna and gushed and she did the same about her baby. I can’t believe we’re pregnant at the same time. I wish I could see her.
I frowned, wondering why she couldn’t see one of her best friends.
I turned the pages until I came across one that was dated after Brynn was born.
I had no idea what to name our daughter. I went on Pinterest and spent hours trying to find something unique. I came across Brynlee and fell in love. It’s perfect.
I agreed, running my hand in circles over Brynn’s back.
I hope Jaron likes it. I also hope he doesn’t mind that I gave her his last name.
My eyes widened. She didn’t.
I lowered my leg, placing Brynn on my lap on her back and searching through the box until I came across what I was looking for. Her birth certificate.
Name: Brynlee Emma Mercer
“Fucking hell,” I whispered. She did. She actually gave her my last name. I never expected it, knowing we weren’t married. It wasn’t even hyphenated with both of our names. It was my name. Only.
Picking Brynn up, I put the onesie back on her and placed her back in her crib. My feet carried me to Piper before I knew what I was doing. It was like I was looking down at myself and watching.
She was still sound asleep, but I didn’t give a shit.
Turning on the lamp, I knelt on the bed and rolled her onto her back.
Her eyes popped open. “Jaron? What’s wrong? Is it Brynlee?”
I shook my head, not sure what I wanted to do or say. Thank you was on the tip of my tongue, but I didn’t know how to voice it. It was stuck, the words a dead weight between us.
“Jaron?” She frowned, sitting up. “What is it?”
Instead of answering, I pulled her against me and wrapped my arms around her.
Thank you for not giving up on us. Thank you for giving me a daughter. Thank you for this gift that I can never repay you for.
As much as I wanted to voice my thoughts, I couldn’t, so I held her instead.
A shuddered breath left her.
Running my hands