I lean into him contentedly. “It’s well worth the wait. Neither one among us was prepared for this.”

He nods, and I sigh with reduction as a result of identical to it’s going to take us time to construct a brand new lodge, it’s going to take us time to create a household with Bernie, and possibly a couple of extra youngsters, but it surely’ll be lovely and excellent.

* * *

Bernie clings to my leg, her little arms wrapped tightly round me as I arrive on the winery.

Lysander’s eyes drift all the way down to Bernie, and he cocks an eyebrow. “Appears you have got slightly barnacle hooked up to your leg there.”

Bernie friends up at him briefly earlier than nuzzling into me once more. My coronary heart melts. After being aside for thus lengthy, she simply desires to be close to me. Ben and I mentioned the alternate options. Clearly, she desires to be with me as a result of she misses me. It’d be merciless to ship her to high school once I simply obtained again. So, we plan to ease her slowly into her previous routine. Perhaps since I’m residence, I can take her early with me so she will eat lunch and nap at residence.

“We’ll transition again to her routine slowly,” I say, hoping he doesn’t begin asking questions.

Lysander nods, sympathy flashing throughout his face. “In fact. Bernie must be your precedence proper now. Take on a regular basis you want.” He tilts his head towards the vineyard, his voice softening. “Actually, take the break day. That woman has been by means of sufficient separations.”

My chest tightens, considering of all of the misplaced time together with her. I stroke her again, a silent promise I’ll by no means depart her once more.

“I believed we—”

“Bernie comes first,” he says. “You guys had been aside for a very long time as a result of her father had his head shoved up his—”

“Lysander, language,” I reduce him off.

“I used to be going to say backside.”

“Nonetheless, watch your language,” I warn him.

He smirks. “I’m glad you’re completely happy. Looks like I can lastly take a breath.”

Shocked, I ask, “Had been you frightened about me?”

He scoffs lightheartedly. “You had been courting some fudged-up douche who couldn’t reduce the umbilical wire between him and his ex.”

I frown. “How have you learnt?”

He chuckles. “Did you actually suppose we wouldn’t run a background examine on him?”

“You three are—” I shut my mouth and smile. “One of the best brothers on the earth.”

“I wouldn’t put it that means.”

I open my mouth to reply however cease as I hear footsteps approaching. Bernie’s head pops up, her eyes lighting up.

“Daddy!” she squeals, wriggling freed from me and dashing towards Ben.

He sweeps her up into his arms, spinning her in a circle as she giggles. When he stops, he winks at me.

“Hey,” I greet him after which stroll over, rising on my toes to provide him a fast peck. “I believed you had back-to-back sufferers at present.”

“Heath’s masking so I might spend time with my greatest women.” His eyes shine as he appears between Bernie and me, crinkling on the corners with affection.

“I really like you,” I mumble, heat blooming in my chest.

“Love you extra,” he says, smiling broadly.

Bernie wraps her little arms round us in a hug. “Mama and Daddy,” she says, snuggling into us.

Happiness washes over me as I soak on this excellent second. Ben pulls Bernie and me shut and vegetation a kiss on every of our heads. I meet his gaze, seeing my very own pleasure mirrored again in his inexperienced eyes. On this excellent second, with Bernie’s arms encircling us, I do know we’re precisely who we belong to and the place we belong.

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