Page 108 of Let's Be Forever

“Why don’t you stay? I’ll go to the bakery and help Clementine,” she offers.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to do that.” I wipe under my eyes. “I should go.”

She rolls her eyes and stands. “No, you’re going to take the day off and relax. It’s been a stressful few weeks. I’m going and you’re staying. Don’t start with me. I don’t want to hear it. Em and I got it. I’ll see you later.”

“Maya, wait. Don’t—” But she’s up and out of my room, shutting the door behind her.

Me: Hey, you okay if I send Maya in to help you?

Clementine: You actually agreed?! I love this for you! Take the day off! You deserve it

Me: Wait?! This was planned?

Clementine: Yes, and don’t you dare come to the bakery. We got it

Me: You’re the best. I love you!

Clementine: I love you too, sweets. Now stop texting me and sleep or do whatever it is you do. Sex does wonders!

Clementine: Also stay off social media!!!!

Me: We have Rosie haha. That’s not going to happen

Clementine: Doesn’t she take naps?

I’m trying to take everyone’s advice and rest. Rosie just went down for a nap, so I’m lying on the couch, trying to watch TV, but I can’t stop thinking about Sylas.

I’m about to text him when he strides into the living room. His gaze is locked on the hall that leads to my bedroom before his eyes dart to me lying on the sectional.

He’s by my side in a split second, pressing a kiss to my lips. “I love seeing your face.” Sylas sighs wistfully. “I love seeing you here.” Another kiss and then he’s lying on top of me. He settles between my legs and slips his arms around my back, laying his head on my chest. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I missed this.” He’s heavy, but I like the weight. It’s comforting. I rake my fingers through his soft chestnut-brown hair, smiling as he softly hums in delight.

“Can we stay like this forever?” he mumbles. His tired eyes flutter until they close.

“Yeah.” Keeping one hand on his hair, I glide my fingers from the nape of his neck down to his spine. “We can stay like this forever.”

I catch him smiling before his lips flatten and his breathing deepens.

“Daddy…”

“Rosie, leave your dad alone,” I scold gently from the kitchen. I’m attempting to make dinner, but I’m having to stop every few minutes to make sure she’s not bothering him.

Sylas is still sleeping on the couch. An hour after he arrived, she woke up. I already knew he was exhausted. He’s not gotten any sleep, so I didn’t wake him. I’ve tried to be quiet, but Rosie is impatient and desperately craves his attention.

She side-eyes me, her face pinched with annoyance.

I bring my pointer finger to my lips. “Shhh, he’s sleeping.”

She copies me, raising her index finger to her mouth. “Wake up.”

“Now you’re being silly.” My mouth twitches. “We need to let him sleep.”

Rosie grumbles, stomping her foot. “But I want a hug.”

“You’ll get your hug later. Come on, help me cook.” I wave my hand over, holding a bowl, knowing how much she loves them.

“No.” She pouts, leans against him, and rests her head on his arm. “I want to stay.”