AYLA
The moment the plane touched down, I headed home.
"Thanks, Sophia," I whispered, shutting the door behind me as she left for her apartment.
"Hey, little buddy," I muttered, pressing my nose into Cassian Jnr's hair.
All baby-shadow scent and olive shea butter.
Sometimes the things you try to run from might just be the blessing you need.
Twenty-four. Unmarried. With my son.
Not a perfect circle — but this felt complete.
I pulled him into my arms and took him to my room, pulling the sheets over us as he lay on his belly beside me.
"Guess who mummy ran into today?"
Tiny fingers scratched his puffy cheeks, turning his head to the other side.
"I get it. I didn't want to see him too."
I plastered kisses over his head before shutting my eyes and forcing myself to sleep.
Millie's call woke me.
"Hey, pumpkin." Her voice sounded like she'd eaten a frog.
"Good morning, pumpkin," I yawned. "You should be knocked out for the next two days."
