I lift him from the bed and place him gently in his crib. He’s still grasping the dog, and I let him keep it. Then I scoop Sam into my arms. She’s limp and sound asleep. I hesitate in front of her door and then walk down the hall, carrying her into my room. This is where I want her. I gently lay her on my bed and she rolls to her side, sighing heavily. I can’t imagine how exhausted she is after her swim earlier today.

Without thinking, I strip down to my boxer briefs. I slide into bed next to her as easily as I can without disrupting her sleep. Despite what I wanted to do to her earlier, at the moment I just want her to be close. I need to feel her warmth. I drape my arm over hers and pull myself against her. She stirs slightly and then entwines her fingers with mine.

“You awake?” I whisper in her ear and she shivers in my arms.

“No,” she whispers back, and I smile.

“You let me carry you all the way in here when you could have walked?”

“I think I woke up halfway here. When you bumped my foot against the door.” She laughs quietly and I kiss the back of her neck.

She rolls onto her back, keeping our fingers locked together on top of her stomach, and turns her head to look at me, our noses only inches apart.

“Tell me about the stuffed dog,” I demand, and she looks at me questioningly.

“You mean the Dalmatian? I have no idea where that came from.”

“I gave that to him. It reminds me of one I had just like it when I was younger. The other dog, the one he’s sleeping with.”

“Googie,” she says, and I wonder what language she’s speaking.

“What?”

“It’s my Googie. I got him from my parents the day I was born. When I was old enough to talk, I called him Googie because I couldn’t say doggy. The name just stuck.”

“Googie,” I say, smiling, and kiss the tip of her nose.

She slides a little closer to me so our lips touch softly.

“Kai means everything to me, Garrett. But it’s time for me to leave.” Her eyes look apologetic.

“I know.”

“I love him. I’ve never felt this way about a baby that I’ve cared for. I’m in love with your son.” She squeezes my hand and I kiss her gently on the lips.

“You’ve gone above and beyond. Kai wouldn’t be where he is now without you.” I pause and kiss her again.

“Garrett?” she asks quietly.

“Yes?” I nuzzle into her.

“What’s happening between us?” she asks.

I don’t hesitate when I respond.

“Everything.”

Sam

Present

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Age 24

“EVERYTHING,” HE SAYS, and I inhale deeply.

“What does that mean?” I ask.

Our fingers are still linked and he squeezes my hand. “I’ve never been this happy,” he says, and his eyes look glassy. This tender moment is something I never thought I’d experience with Garrett.

“I’m in love with my son too,” he says and blinks heavily. “I can’t imagine my life without him. I see our future together and it’s amazing.” He smiles, and I use my free hand to wipe the tear on his cheek.

“Tell me what his future looks like,” I say. I want to hear everything.

“He’s going to be the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees,” Garrett states as if he’s seen this future already.

“The Yankees?” I ask. “You do realize you live in Pennsylvania. He’ll be surrounded by Phillies fans his entire life. You’re dooming his existence with constant heckling and fights.”

He laughs heartily. “I’m not worried. At least he’s not going to be on the Mets.”

I swat him on the shoulder. “Hey, leave my Mets out of this.”

“Really? A Mets fan? I should have known.” He kisses me tenderly and pulls me closer against his body.

“My father’s favorite team. I grew up carrying Mr. Met around with Googie.” Mr. Met didn’t make it through the fire, and I feel sad, remembering the day my father gave him to me.

“What else does Kai’s future hold?” I ask curiously.

“That depends,” he says.

“Depends on what?” I ask.

“It depends on if you’ll be around to see him grow up.”

His words stab through my heart and I don’t understand why he’s saying this.

“What?” I ask, my eyes burning with impending tears.

He kisses me deeply, and my tears spill down my cheeks. He pulls back then kisses each and every drop until my cheeks are dry.

“I realize you’re leaving us to go back to work. But please don’t leave for good. We need you. I need you.”

“What do you want from me?” I ask. What is he asking?

“I want everything. All of you,” he says and rolls so that he’s on top of me, our hips pressed together. He spreads my legs apart with his knee and rests himself there.

I suck in a deep breath as he crushes his lips to mine. I want this. I want it all. I thrust my hips into his, and he moans against my mouth. “Sam,” he whispers, and his tongue twists with mine. He absorbs every breath as I prepare to give myself to him.

“Yes,” I pant, and he devours my words.

He pulls one hand over my head and laces his fingers with mine. His lips travel down to my neck as his free hand grazes the side of my breast, causing me to arch my back and press into him more aggressively. I need to feel him all over me, inside me.

His free hand caresses my cheek. My eyes open and he’s hovering above me, looking contemplative. “Are you sure?” he asks, and I nod so there’s no confusion about exactly what I want. What I need.

He doesn’t hesitate further. He slides down my body, taking my leggings and panties with him. He doesn’t waste his time removing his boxers. The only thing that remains between us is my tank, which he’s already pushed over my breasts. He covers my nipple with his mouth, causing me to moan. He scrapes his teeth over it gently, and he moves to devour my other breast. I thrust toward him, and his hard length presses against my thigh. I feel his warm breath everywhere as his mouth nips and sucks places that haven’t seen the light of day in ages.

“Garrett,” I whimper.

He spreads my legs farther apart and plunges his fingers into me while his thumb swirls my most sensitive area. I thrust my hips, forcing his fingers deeper. “Look at me,” he says, and I do. He stares into my eyes as he continues plunging in and out. I’m gasping for air, needing a quick release. He moves expertly, and I come apart almost immediately. My climax surprises me, but he doesn’t relent. He rolls on top of me so he’s once again resting there. So close. My hips rise and fall, and I need to feel him. All of him.

“Inside me,” I pant.

He reaches for the nightstand, and I’m not surprised that there’s a stash of condoms in the back. He tears one open and quickly slides it over himself.

He fills me before I can catch my breath, his lips crash into mine. We move together like we’ve done this a thousand times before. I open my eyes the same time he does, and he slows his rhythm and swirls his hips above mine. He lifts a hand to touch my cheek, the look in his eyes almost unsure if I’m real or not. I lift my head to kiss him softly, and he thrusts deeper into me.

We’re joined. United. It’s intense and powerful. In this moment, we’re one, and it feels so right. My heart beats wildly and in unison with his. Our breaths mingle and feed each other. I never want this to end, and it’s only just begun. He moves faster, more rhythmically, and my body responds.

“Sam,” he pants and devours my mouth again.

I cry out when he thrusts deeper. “Wait,” I say, and he slows down. His eyes search my face, unsure. I wrap my leg around his thigh attempting to roll us and his eyes light up. He follows my cue and wraps his arms around my back, rolling with me. It takes a little maneuvering, but now, I’m right where I want to be.