chapter 20

Cassius is late for work today. I pad out of the office, where I headed to get an early start on some filing that’s overdue, and find him in the twins’ room, cradling Luca in one arm and Lucie in the other. For a moment, I hesitate in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt. They look so peaceful, the twins both awake but silent, not complaining or crying for attention. They’re beaming up at Cassius, worshipful and happy, making quiet little gurgles of pleasure now and then as he coos to them.

They look… natural. Like we’ve always had this. Our little family. Cassius looks every bit the doting father right now.

I shake myself. This feels like dangerous territory. The sex is one thing—one spectacular, mind-blowing thing. But starting to think of him as a parent, a father to my kids, that’s a whole new leap of faith. I’d need to really know he was in, all in. I’ve handled breakups in the past, seen guys come and go after swearing up and down they’d be faithful. But I couldn’t put my child