Cory’s hand comes as much as cup my cheek. “You actually did miss me, didn’t you?”

I nuzzle in opposition to her palm. “You haven’t any fucking thought.”

“We’ll be okay,” she whispers. And I consider it with my complete being. Our bond is unbreakable now.

Although I remorse not confessing my love sooner, the timing hadn’t been proper. I hadn’t been able to wholly give myself the way in which I can now. I’m endlessly grateful I didn’t lose her for good. And I’m so fucking grateful.

Chapter Thirty-One

Cory

My eyelids are heavy, in all probability sealed by tremendous glue. Sneaking into Benedict’s dwelling at evening for the previous week has been thrilling however exhausting too. And after I hear Bernie’s voice, the concern that I fell asleep makes me launch off the bed.

“What time is it?” I whisper frantically, scrambling to find my discarded garments from the evening earlier than.

“Daddy,” comes Bernie’s impatient name by way of the door.

“Possibly it’s time for me to make a stealthy escape out the window?” I mutter, scanning the room in useless for my lacking shirt. “Why did I go to sleep?”

Ben catches me in his arms, stilling my panic. “You’re drained, and possibly it’s okay if she sees you?” Ben suggests, drawing me nearer and taking me into his arms. “We solely have just a few days left earlier than you come again. Why not make it as we speak?”

I chew my lip, hesitating. This isn’t what I deliberate for that day. “However I needed to carry balloons and a gift and…”

Cupping my cheek, Ben says gently, “You don’t want any of these issues,” he says. “She solely needs you, her Co-ee. No huge events or parades. Simply Cory.”

My eyes prickle simply pondering of the time we’ve been aside. I am keen on that little lady. From the second we met, she has owned my coronary heart fully. How may she not when she’s part of Ben.

Ben retrieves a sweatshirt from his closet and fingers it to me. I slip it on, the tender material holding his scent. Drawing a steeling breath, I strategy the door on shaky legs.

I can do that. With a closing exhale, I flip the knob and swing it open. Bernie’s face lights up in astonished pleasure.

“Co-ee!” She flings herself into my arms, squealing with delight. I clutch her tight, tears slipping free as I rain kisses over her hair. No balloons or presents may ever examine to this sense.

“Hey, Bernie. I missed you a lot,” I say, hugging her shut as she nuzzles into my neck.

“You again,” she declares fortunately.

“Sorry it took me so lengthy to come back to you, Bernie.” I press a kiss into her tender hair. “Would you like me to make you breakfast?”

Bernie’s face lights up. “Pant-kays?”

I look at Ben and mouth, “Components?” He nods with a smile. “We are able to add blueberries too.”

“Choc-wit cheese too, pwease,” Bernie provides.

“Umm, I believe you need to say chocolate chips,” I appropriate her, bopping her nostril playfully. “Let’s see what we will discover, and possibly after faculty, we will go grocery buying to make sure the home has every little thing we’d like for a enjoyable however nutritious breakfast.”

“No. No kool.” She shakes her head however doesn’t let me go. “Co-ee.”

I look at Ben, who’s actually taking a look at me, a bit misplaced.

“Why don’t we’ve got breakfast first, after which we plan our day?” I counsel.

Once we arrive within the kitchen, Bernie insists on serving to measure components, practically spilling the flour in her enthusiasm. I maintain again laughter, having fun with our time collectively. Quickly the batter is combined, and Ben begins cooking on the griddle. I slice strawberries whereas Bernie pulls grapes off the vine, her tongue poking out in focus.

I’ve missed spending my mornings with them like this, as if we have been a household.

Ben presses a candy kiss to my temple as he flips a pancake, murmuring, “Sorry for the wait, love.”

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