Ethan

“Daddy!” Paisley’s sweet voice whispers in my ear, as one of her sharp little fingers jabs my side. “Daddy, are you awakes?”

My eyes are still closed, and it feels as though I just fell asleep a moment ago. I’m not sure what time it is, but I know something must be up if Paisley is trying to wake me. Normally she climbs right into bed with me and snuggles up without a word, perfectly content to snooze until I’m ready to get up – even if her tummy is growling with hunger, she’ll happily choose cuddles over food.

“Daddy,” she whispers again, giving me another prod.

“No.” I moan, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically. “I’m asleep.”

“Daddy!” Paisley giggles, the sweet sound lifting my sleepy spirits. “I’m serious.”

“So am I” I grumble, pulling the covers up over my head to hide from the adorable creature.

A moment later the duvet is yanked back down, and Paisley is sitting on my chest, determined to interrupt my rest. “Daddy I needs to talk to you.”

Begrudgingly I peek one eye open, assessing the serious pup and the low light filtering in through the windows. The sun must barely be rising, but my daughter’s beautiful green eyes are completely alert.

What’s wrong princess?” I ask, encouraging her to lie down agáin. She happily agrees, sprawling on my broad chest and resting her cheek against my shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking.” She says.

“Mhmm, about what?” I encourage, petting her tiny limbs.

know everything’s gonna be okay,” Paisley pauses, betraying her fear that this isn’t actually

I’d been thinking about this idea myself, but every time the notion rose in my mind I forced it back down, telling myself I was being selfish, putting my needs above theirs. When I don’t respond, Paisley presses on. “You could take me for

if I don’t survive, she’ll already be with Jane and her siblings when they get the news.

think of any reason to say no. Paisley is giving me

“We should go for

matter entirely. I tell her my decision over breakfast, waiting until Paisley left

between her perfectly

I die on the operating table, I don’t want my family’s last memory of me to be that day at the rest stop – when I took Paisley away. I want to make sure they know how much I love them, and I want to see them one last time

will undo everything you’ve been working for these last few months.” Nina

if I don’t make it, but I still need to see her one last time, even if I can’t tell her how I feel. And I can

but it almost sounds like you’re expecting the worst to happen.” Nina frowns. “Are you planning

not.” I rumble, annoyed by the question even though I know it’s well-intentioned. “I”m just trying to be realistic, Nina. I have a fifty-fifty chance. I don’t want to leave this earth with things unfinished. I need my children to know I love them. I need Paisley to be with her mother if she

you’re going to

idea.” I sigh. “I’m not Sure how Jane or the pups would handle that, and I don’t want to hurt

watch your back.” Nina argues, “and besides, how would it look if you went off to see your ex and left me behind. If you do survive

Our marriage. The one you’re determined to make happen and that

one neither of us will be happy in, but we’re agreeing

be alone with them, and I’m

course.” Nina smiles gently. “We’re

determined for us to be a strong team. This trip can be a good thing for

calculating Nina is, how determined she seems to become Luna, and how little she seems to care for anything else. I know that isn’t entirely fair of me – there’s nothing inherently wrong with ambition and Nina explained why it was so important to her when we struck this deal. I just worry about how

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