One Percent of You

“Whatcha’ lookin’ at?” The kid had some serious beef with me, but I was staring directly at them. For fuck’s sake, how did a grown man get a three, maybe five-year-old enemy?

“And it’s not exactly like our relationship is innocent. I’ve seen a little side boob.”I gawked at him. “God bless America! It’s called breastfeeding.”“A tit is a tit, even if it’s being used for nursing.”

His upper lip twitched. “Even with them asleep, you still won’t say ass?”“Don’t make fun of me.”“I’m not. Just interesting.” There was a hmm in his tone. “Makes one curious as to how exactly does one make you slip and say something bad.”

“Elijah!” Lucy screamed, and I smiled. That’s right, Lucy. I’m your Elijah. Even the way she said my name was adorable.

I was watching Eli who was holding his head up perfectly staring up at me. Suddenly he threw his hands into the air and cried.Fucking hell. I broke him.I started to give him back when Hadley scooted into my side, almost like she was snuggling into me.Maybe I’d hold him after all.

I couldn’t deny it anymore. I wanted that. I wanted them. With me. As my family.I wanted Hadley—all pieces of her.

Deep down, instead of princes, I thought maybe every woman wanted gentle monsters. Someone strong—scary enough to keep all the bad things away—and gentle only to those he loved.

Elijah: What about you? Do you miss me?Hadley: Yes.One word, but it was everything.

“Mom?”“Yeah, Lucy?”“Daddy said Elijah wouldn’t be our friend one day. Why?”“I hope that never happens,” I murmured.“Me too. I don’t want him to stop bringing me stuff.”I chuckled. “Lucy!”“I want to bring my chocolate milk to share with Elijah.” She pushed away from me, and I smiled.“Okay. That’s fine.”“Can I bring my pony coloring book to show him?”“Yeah.”“Can I ask him to buy me another car?”“No.”