Chapter 297

As always, it is painful, almost unbearable, to say goodbye to my son, made so much worse by the fact that his first birthday is coming up, and knowing we’d probably miss it. "At least he'll have a birthday," Suri tries to comfort me.

"I suppose."

But oh, what I wouldn't give to be there with him, to see him open presents and enjoy his first taste of birthday cake.

“Can I get one of those energy thingies you always use?” I ask Kane after I take a shower. I am exhausted. I was up all night, watching my beautiful family sleep.

Kane gives me a sceptical look, then opens the top drawer of his dresser and hands me one of the vials. “Be careful with this stuff,” he says and runs his eyes over me. “Maybe start with half a vial and see how it goes. You’re so small…”

He’s not as protective as he used to be, which makes for a refreshing change in or relationship, but it’s not something that comes naturally to him – he has to force himself to stop doing it. “Thank you,” I say and drink only