Page 84 of Through the Storm

I tug hard, and the base sinks.

My heart kicks.

“Okay,” Logan says calmly. “Now press down and tighten it. Now wiggle it.”

I do. And the seat barely moves.

“Less than an inch,” he confirms. “You’re good.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“If you tell anyone about this,” I mutter, “I will ruin your life.”

Logan laughs. “Relax. I don’t want to explain how I know this. But I’m glad you called. This stuff matters.”

Katy is doubled over, laughing. The front door opens behind her. Ella steps out first, keys already in hand. Her eyes flick to the car seat. To the manual. Then to me.

Declan follows her out. “Hey,” he says. He takes in the scene in onesweep. The fact that the car seat is finally, mercifully solid.

“Oh my God,” Katy wheezes, still laughing. “My Maybe Daddies teaching you how to dad. This is amazing.”

I end the call and shoot her a look. “Not a word.”

She comes down the steps, kisses my cheek, her smile softening. “You did good.”

Anything to keep you safe, I think. You and the baby. Anything.

“Was that Logan?” Declan asks slowly.

I nod. “Yeah, I needed his help to get this done right.”

There’s a long pause. “I see how hard you’re trying.”

It hits harder than I expect.

“Whatever happened between you and Katy,” he continues, “that’s between you two. But as long as you keep showing up, I’m good. And I see that you are.”

I don’t flinch. “I’m trying my best.”

“I was out of line at the baby shower.” He exhales. “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I’m sorry.”

I blink, caught off guard. “It’s okay.”

“No,” he says firmly. “It’s not. But… I get it now.”

He glances at the car seat again. Nods once.

“She’s lucky,” he adds. “Both of them are.”

My throat tightens. His approval means more to me and Katy than he’ll ever know. “Thanks.”

Katy squeezes my hand. Declan’s approval. Katy’s hand in mine. The car seat locked tight behind us. For once, I feel like I actually got something right.

“Oh, and Ben,” Ella says brightly, finally unable to hold it in anymore. “You know they install those for you at the fire house, right?”

I freeze. “What?”

Katy’s head snaps toward her. “Excuse me?”