Page 146 of Through the Storm

She looks at him, eyes softening. “Also, you look like you haven’t slept in two years.”

He opens his mouth to deny it. But then stops and shrugs instead. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes,” Ella says. “You look like a very pale raccoon.”

Danny tries to lick the baby’s toes again. Ben gently nudges him back with his foot. “Okay, buddy. We’re gonna need you to chill.”

Danny sits, still staring at the baby. He wags his tail like he’s waiting for permission to resume.

Ella leans closer to me. “Can I hold him?”

“Only if you promise not to cry on him,” Ben says.

“No promises.” Her eyes are still red.

I shift carefully and let her take him. She cradles him like he’s made of glass, tears already dripping onto his blanket.

“Hi baby,” she whispers. “Hi, you’re perfect.”

The baby blinks at her, unimpressed.

“I know,” Ella says. “I already know we don’t deserve you.”

Ben watches them, exhaustion and love all tangled together on his face. I reach for his hand.

“You should eat,” I tell him. “And sit. And maybe take a nap.”

He squeezes my fingers. “Only if you do too.”

Ella looks up at us, smiling. “You’re doing amazing. Both of you.”

Danny chooses that moment to lick the baby’s foot one last time.

Ella gasps. “Danny!”

The baby hiccups. Then relaxes.

Ella presses a kiss to his forehead, crying harder. “I love him. And I love you. Go eat, and then take a nap. Danny and I got him.”

Ben snorts. “Don’t let him lick him again.”

“I’ll try,” she says, shooting Danny a warning look.

I close my eyes for a second, surrounded by food, tears, dog hair, and people who love us way too much.

And I just know that everything will be okay.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

katy

NEW BEGINNINGS

After the mostrestful night I’ve had in a month, Ben makes pancakes. It’s already shaping up to be a great morning.

“Hey,” Ben says. “Can I ask you something?”

I look up from the couch. “You can ask me anything.”