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.

everything’s gonna be okay,” Paisley pauses, betraying her fear that this isn’t actually true. “But

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 a visits, see everyone again, and then leave me ’til after

Still, I know where she was headed. That way if I don’t survive, she’ll already be with Jane and her siblings when

I confirm, stroking her dark hair. With her perspective in mind, I can’t think of any reason to say no. Paisley is giving me the perfect excuse to see my beloved family before I go under the knife, and this truly

agree.” I breathe, hugging her a bit more tightly. “We should go for a visit – as soon

my decision, he heartily agrees, but Nina is another matter entirely. I tell her my decision over breakfast, waiting until Paisley left for school before sharing the idea with my

her perfectly manicured

of me to be that day at the rest stop

Jane how much you love her. It will undo everything you’ve

feel. And I can tell the other pups.” I insist. “Besides, this way Paisley will be with Jane and her brothers and

me, Ethan, but it almost sounds like you’re expecting the worst

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

you’re going to do this,

not sure if that’sa good idea.” I sigh. “I’m not Sure how Jane or the pups would handle

you need someone to 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 the surgery, we have

The one you’re determined to make happen and that I’m going along with because I owe you for screwing

us will be happy in, but we’re agreeing to

be times I want to be alone with them,

course.” Nina smiles gently. “We’re

to be a strong team. This trip can be a good thing for us, as long

else. I know that isn’t entirely fair

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