Page 104 of Jay Bird

“Smart man.”

“He usually was.”

Jay Bird brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “For what it’s worth, I think he would be damn proud of you.”

That one got her, and Willow blinked rapidly, trying to hold the tears back.

“You never even met him.”

“No.” His gaze held hers. “But if he were half the man you say he was, he would look at everything you’ve survived and what you’ve done for Lily and know exactly who raised you.”

A tear slipped down Willow’s cheek, and Jay Bird gently wiped it away with his thumb.

“That was really sweet.”

“Don’t tell anybody,” he said and winked.

She smiled. “Your reputation?”

“It’s already hanging by a thread.”

“Between flowers, toddler bedrooms, and pancakes, I’m pretty sure it’s dead.”

Jay Bird groaned. “Go to sleep, Willow.”

She laughed softly and tucked herself back against his chest, and his arms closed around her.

“Thank you,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Willow didn’t know how long she had been asleep when a faint sound pulled her awake.

Her eyes opened, and for one terrifying second, she had no idea where she was.

A man’s arm was around her. Her body tensed, and her heart slammed against her ribs as panic surged through her.

Then she smelled him. That familiar and unmistakable scent that was Jay Bird.

She felt the soft cotton of his shirt beneath her cheek and heard his steady heartbeat.

Jay. She was with Jay. Willow slowly released the breath she had been holding.

Then she heard it again, the soft sound of the monitor as Lily made a sleepy little whimper.

Willow lifted her head, and Jay Bird immediately loosened his arm, giving her room without making her ask.

She reached for the monitor and looked at the screen.

Lily rolled over and hugged Ellie against her chest before going still again. Willow watched them for another few seconds, letting the sight settle her. Her baby was safe.

She returned the monitor to the nightstand and lay back down.

Jay Bird seemed asleep, his eyes closed and his face peaceful.

Willow studied his face for a moment before carefully settling against him again, and his arm slipped back around her waist.

She smiled, and within minutes she had drifted off again.

He hadn’t been asleep. Not even close.