Every Other Memory

by Kaylee Ryan

I cradle her face with my hands, staring at her intently, hoping she can see into the depths of my soul how much I want her. I don’t mask the need that I have for her or the surprise that it’s there. I’ve never in my life felt like this.

I climb over the top of her. Her legs automatically open, allowing me to settle between her thighs where I belong. At least that’s what this moment feels like. It’s as if I’m finally home, and I don’t understand it, and right now, I don’t want to. I just want to be with her.

I feel… possessive. I want to claim her as mine. Not just for tonight, but for as long as I can convince her to be mine.

As if the little angel in my arms knows I’m nervous, her tiny hand rests against my cheek, and my heart trips over in my chest.

“Hazel,” I repeat softly. My lips find the top of my daughter’s head as I close my eyes and breathe her in. My daughter. There isn’t a single doubt in my mind that she’s mine. The look in her mother’s eyes tells me all that I need to know. I’m a father.

“No.” His voice is clipped, and Hazel whimpers in his arms. “I’m sorry, baby girl,” he whispers, placing his lips on her head. “Daddy’s sorry.” His tone’s feather-soft as he speaks to our daughter.

We went into the night with our eyes wide open. I knew it was a fling. But with each passing minute, it felt less like a fling and more like… everything,” I confess.

“Mommy and Daddy love you,” she whispers, and my heart stops. “C-Cadence?” She turns to look at me. “Do—” I swallow hard. “Do you tell her that every night?”

My hand slides behind her neck, and I pull her lips to mine. I kiss her hard as the emotions of her confession wash over me.

“You mean the body that grew and created our daughter? The body that gave her life and still nurtures her. Your body is different, Cadence, but it’s sexy as fuck. I wish I could have seen you. I wish I could have cradled Hazel when she rested here.”

“I love you.” The room stills, but my heart keeps on beating like a bass drum in my chest. In two long strides, I’m standing in front of her. Cradling her face in the palm of my hands, I stare into her eyes. “I love you. So fucking much,” I say, kissing her.