Page 60 of I Loved You First

She grinned. “Once is probably enough, especially since you did such a nice job. And you went to the bathroom during the last commercial, so I’d say it’s time to get cozy under the covers. We’ll read a million books until you’re super sleepy.”

“And you’ll stay with me until the thunder goes away?”

Nodding, she gained her feet. “Definitely. But I bet your dad will be home by then, too.”

He captured her hand, turning on several lights as they started toward the stairs, squeezing her fingers when lightning flashed again. “I bet Bob’s feeling afraid on my pillow.”

They headed up the steps. “You’ll have to give him a great big hug and invite him to snuggle up with us.”

Brady smiled as he turned on the light in his bedroom. “He’ll like that.”

Fiona shut the curtains so they no longer saw the dark-gray skies and blowing trees, then pulled back the covers on Brady’s bed. “Go ahead and pick out some books.”

Brady perused his many options, eventually picking six, then ran to the bed when thunder shook the house and rain began pounding on the roof. “I’m scared.”

“We’re safe and sound, I promise.”

He nodded as he crawled up to his pillow, hugging Bob.

She sat next to him on the mattress, ready to get comfy. “Come on. Let’s snuggle up and get lost in a story.”

Brady stopped her from pulling up the covers with his hand on her arm. “You forgot to say the stuff Dad tells me.”

“Oh. What does he say?” Because this was her first time tucking Brady in.

“He gets on his knees next to my bed and holds my hands. Then he says ‘You’re smart and amazing. I love you to the moon and back. I’m so lucky I get to be your dad.’”

“Oh,” she said, pressing her hand to her gooey heart. Cam was such a sweet, wonderful man. “Okay.”

Getting out of bed, she settled herself on her knees next to Brady, capturing his hands. “I should probably say something a little different since I’m not your dad.”

Brady nodded.

She cleared her throat, taking a moment. Because she wanted to get this right. “You’re smart and amazing. You make my heart happy. I’m so lucky I get to be your best friend.”

Brady grinned, hugging her. “I like it.”

She chuckled, returning his embrace. “I’m glad you do.”

Brady let her go. “Now you kiss my forehead, and then we read.”

She kissed where he pointed above his nose. “Okay. Let’s get to our book.” Resettling herself next to him, she pulled the covers over them as they got cozy against the headboard and pillows. “Do you want to take off your splint?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you need some help?”

He shook his head as he pulled at the Velcro. “Dad said I achieved expert-level with my splint.”

Fiona laughed. “It sounds like you’ve got it under control.”

He pulled it off, exposing the greenish-yellow bruising on his wrist. “See how expert I am?”

She nodded. “I’m impressed. And your wrist is looking better every day.”

“Uh-huh.”

She put the splint on the nightstand. “Okay. Which story first?”