Page 143 of Sins of Innocence

I don’t jump.

I should probably be alarmed I’ve gotten so used to Kieran moving around me silently.

"You’re still mad," he says quietly.

I keep my attention on the sink even though the plate in my hands has already been rinsed three times. "I’m not mad."

His big hand settles on my hip.

"You're scrubbin' clean dishes like they insulted your mother."

A laugh escapes before I can stop it. "I just..." I sigh and set the plate aside. "I need you to understand something."

"Okay."

Troy’s okay usually meant, I’m waiting for you to stop talking and be happy with me again. Kieran’s okay sounds like, explain it to me.

Needing to see if his expression matches that tone, I turn around in the narrow space between him and the counter. Our bodies press together and my brain fritzes.

I'm getting used to it.

"For six years every decision was mine. Mom was always there for me, but she never took on a parental role." I shake my head. "I’m not used to sharing that parental space with someone."

His expression stays intent and focused on my face.

"I know you were trying to protect them," I add, in case there's any doubt.

His jaw flexes slightly. "The idea of one of them needing help and not being able to reach us..." He shakes his head once, hard. "Couldn’t stand it."

Protective, possessive fear stares down at me, way too strong for a man who can measure his time as a stepdad in weeks.

Kieran doesn't love me. He might not miss me when he has to work so late, it makes more sense for him to catch a nap at the Bunker. But he cares about my girls.

Maybe even about me a little too.

My anger softens around the edges. "I get that."

He studies me for a second before asking carefully, "Still fucked up?"

I laugh helplessly. "A little, but I'll forgive you if you promise not to do it again." I pause and give him my best I-mean-business stern look. "And mean it."

"I promise."

"All decisions about the girls and their welfare are made jointly." Does he realize how hard that is to offer?

And how fast I will renege if he messes it up? Only, deep in my heart I know he won't.

"Agreed." He lifts me onto the edge of the counter and leans down to nuzzle my neck. "Thank you for sharing our daughters with me."

Our daughters.

Kieran's petition for adoption of the girls has already been filed with the county Family Court. Soon enough, he will be as much their legal parent as I am.

That should scare me. I should have insisted on waiting. It doesn't. I didn't.

We're in this for a lifetime and again, my heart is absolutely convinced of Kieran's sincere desire to be a good father.

The apartment beyond the open kitchen door hums with life. Joy’s shrill excitement. Neeve quietly explaining some feature she already figured out. Sadie pretending not to be interested while absolutely being interested.