Chapter 176. Cribs, Strollers, and Tiny Clothes

Tristan

I woke up with Athena in my arms and for a moment I just lay there, afraid to move, afraid to breathe too loudly in case this was a dream and any sudden movement would shatter it.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across her face, and I studied every detail like I was seeing her for the first time.

Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips were slightly parted, and there was a peacefulness to her expression that made my chest ache because I knew I'd almost lost this, had almost destroyed everything with my anger and fear.

She stirred slightly and I tightened my arms around her instinctively, needing to feel her warmth, needing the reassurance that she was really here, that she'd forgiven me, that we'd made it through the worst fight of our relationship.