Gone

Swimming In Crazy

Sadie POV 

I watched intently as the information sunk into Jackson's brain. His blue eyes shone brightly as he looked from me to Ember, back to me, then to Ember again. I silently waited as he continued to watch her. I imagined that he was mentally counting months, adding it up in his head how this could even be possible. He looked so handsome, even though he was covered in dirt and dried blood. His normally messed up hair was stuck flat to his head, probably from sweat, but it made him seem older. I decided that I didn't like it that way. 

I was about to speak when Jackson reached forward and grabbed Ember's small hand. She squeezed his finger, which was all she could get her hand around, without hesitation letting out a loud squeal and she shook his hand up and down, bouncing around in my arms. I had a feeling that she knew exactly who he was, even if she had never met him. Jackson's eyes widened as she continued to bounce, letting out excited noises every few seconds.  

"Would you like to hold her?" I asked, finally breaking my silence. He brought his wide eyes up to me and I could see the new shine they had taken. He nodded his head slowly without any words.  

I smiled and carefully handed our child over to meet her father. He took her in his arms looking slightly uncomfortable. He had one arm under her bottom and the other wrapped around her back, cradling her to his chest as though he was afraid he might drop her. Seeing the two together was amazing and a little comical. Ember, who was wearing a bright pink pajama set with lacy ruffles all over it, was being held by a half-naked, dirty muscular man. They just looked so out of place together, but perfect at the same time.  

"Hi," he finally choked out, his voice was thick and if I hadn't know any better, I would have thought he was about to cry.  

In response to his voice, Ember began to squeal and throw her arms around, smacking Jackson randomly in the face and chest. I couldn't help but laugh, which caused Ember to find the situation extremely funny and she began to purposefully smack Jackson. She would hit him and then look over to me, waiting for my response. I refused to disappoint her and would gasp every time she looked over.  

"She's ornery," I smiled, "She laughs when I say no and smack her butt too." 

I peeled my eyes away from my silly child and looked back over to Jackson. His eyes were instantly locked on mine, making it impossible for me to not see the tear that rolled down his dirt covered cheek. I didn't know what to do. I had never seen Jackson cry, or even begin to maybe cry. It was unknown territory to me, so I just stood there with a stupid smile on my face.  

"This is the best welcome home gift in the world," he said, his voice soft as he turned his attention back to Ember. "I'm a dad." 

"Yup, that's usually what happens after you get a girl pregnant," I laughed.  

"I'm a dad," he repeated, only slightly louder than before. "Holy shit, I'm a dad!" This time he yelled. Ember reacted by jumping slightly from her shock at the volume of his voice, but it only lasted a second before she was bouncing around again. I had never seen her move so much. It was like I had given her a whole cup of sugar, she just couldn't sit still.  

I continued to watch my little family, thinking how absolutely amazing Jackson looked holding our daughter. Then my thoughts took a dangerous turn. My mind re-registered the fact that Jackson had no shirt on, and I finally began to notice just how defined and delicious his chest looked. My eyes continued to trail down without my permission, enjoying the fact that his sweat pants sat dangerously low on his hips.  

"Jackson, why don't you go shower and then meet me downstairs," I suggested quickly, needing to be away from him for a few moments. I needed to keep my lust in check, at least until Ember went to bed, then it was fair game.