Invisible String

24

I sighed softly, mostly to myself. It was adorable. Painfully adorable. But also... we hadn't had any alone time since we got here. Between the beach, the kids, meals with the whole family, and me breastfeeding every two hours-couple time had been virtually nonexistent.

I stepped further into the room and gave Travis a look. He knew the look. One brow arched, lips pressed together to stifle a smile, eyes silently saying help me, I miss you. He just smirked and rubbed Lily's back in slow circles.

"She's almost out," he whispered.

I raised an eyebrow. "She said that an hour ago."

He grinned. "That was before she got comfy."

"Travis."

"What?" he mouthed, all innocence, even though we both knew exactly what.

I sighed again, then crossed over to the bed and kneeled beside them, brushing Lily's curls away from her cheek. "Sweetie, want to go sleep in your big girl bed? Sissy's already asleep in her bassinet and Mommy and Daddy are gonna go sit outside for a little."

"Mmm... nooo," she mumbled sleepily. "Want to stay wif Daddy."

Of course.

I looked up at Travis again, and this time, his eyes softened. "Let me try," he whispered.

He carefully shifted out from under her and scooped her up, holding her tight as he stood. "C'mon, bug. I'll lay with you in your bed till you fall asleep."

Her arms locked around his neck, but her eyes were already fluttering. As they walked out of the room, I sank back on the mattress and blew out a breath.

Now I just had to hope she didn't fight the transfer.

Because damn it, I missed my husband.

I lay there on the edge of the bed, staring at the ceiling fan spinning slowly above me, listening closely for signs of either success or chaos from down the hall.

A minute passed. Then two. I heard Travis's low hum, probably singing Lily's favorite lullaby-the one she pretended not to like because it was "for babies," but always melted into when she was sleepy. I smiled at the thought, already picturing her tiny hand resting on his cheek like she always did when she was dozing off.

Another couple minutes later, I heard his footsteps coming back. I sat up quickly.

"She down?" I asked, trying not to sound too desperate.

Travis stepped into the room with a sly grin and gently closed the door behind him. "Out cold," he said, voice low and proud like he just won a championship. "Didn't even fight me tonight."

I let out a little cheer and scooted back on the bed, patting the space beside me. "My hero."

He raised an eyebrow as he walked over. "That desperate for a little alone time, huh?"

I grabbed his hand and pulled him down beside me. "You have no idea."

He chuckled, lying on his side and wrapping an arm around my waist. "Actually, I think I do. Because same."

His fingers brushed under the hem of my shirt and I leaned into him, resting my forehead against his. "I've been watching you cuddle her all evening, and as cute as it was, I was this close to bribing her with chocolate to let go of you."

He laughed quietly, his lips brushing against mine. "You should've just told me. I'd have carried her to bed an hour ago."

"I did tell you. With my eyes. Repeatedly."