Page 52 (1/2)

This earns hs “I’ot inwith Hattie, but I couldn’t go back in there So I drove, and drove, and well…” She shrugs

“Believe me when I say, there have been plenty of times I wanted to run away”

“But that’s what aze falls to her feet, a tear slipping down her cheek

I step forward and pull Layla by the ar in the moment because I don’t know if this will be the last ti willed wo apart is for the best, she won’t come back to me

“I’” I smooth her hair and kiss the top of her head “I’m an asshole who doesn’t kno to handle stress I blow up at the people I care about and push them away”

“Like you did with ed us by not realizing what I was doing

“A birth to Bryson”

Layla rears back and looks up at me, herfor the answers to a question she’s yet to ask

“I found out right before you came over It threw me for a loop because thatthe familiar burn in my throat I clear it away and the pressure moves behind my eyes “He’s my kid I don’t kno, but he is”

I feel the first tear fall Layla wipes it aith her fingers She pushes onto her toes and presses her lips to ain control She soing to be a great father”

My lips twitch and lift at the corners “Do you want to see him?”

That pretty smile falls She steps backs and looks around for someone to save her “I… I don’t know Won’t he be asleep?”

I shrug “Not sure I’ve never been to the hospital this late”

The fear on her face transforms into worry She crosses her ar up her neck I missed how easy it is to read her Red on her neck, she’s upset: either worried or nervous On her cheeks she’s ery

“Is he okay?”