But tonight was different. Tonight, I had to man up. Because this was Claire. “Nearly there,” I coaxed when we reached the top of the landing. “A few more feet—” I paused to kick her door open “—and you can sleep in your nice warm bed.” “With you.” “If that’s what you want,” I replied, sitting her down on the edge of her bed. “That’s what I always want,” she slurred, swaying from side to side. “Then I’ll stay,” I confirmed, quickly ushering Cherub and the babies back to their own basket. “I’ll be right here with you.”
