Chapter 185: Perfect
Thorne’s arms wrap around me tightly, pulling me against his chest. His hold is firm yet gentle, like he’s afraid I might slip away but doesn’t want to crush me. I rest my hands against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips.
"You mean everything to me," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead. His lips linger there, soft and warm, and I close my eyes, savoring the tenderness. "Sometimes I think I don’t deserve you, but I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that I do."
I smile, my fingers tracing small circles on his chest. "Thorne, you don’t have to prove anything. You’re already everything I could ever want. You’re strong, kind, and a wonderful father to Mirelle. You’ve given me more than I ever thought I’d have."
He leans down, brushing his lips against mine again. This kiss is slower, deeper, filled with unspoken promises and love that seems to stretch endlessly between us. When we part, he rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine in the stillness of the room.
"We should put her down," he says softly, glancing at Mirelle, who’s nestled peacefully in his arms. "She’s had quite the day."
I nod, and together we move to her crib. Thorne carefully lays her down, his movements deliberate and tender as if she’s the most fragile thing in the world. I watch him with a smile, my heart swelling at the sight of his large hands brushing her hair away from her tiny face.
"She looks so much like you," he whispers, his voice tinged with awe.
"She has your stubbornness," I tease, and he chuckles quietly.
"That’s not necessarily a bad thing," he replies, standing beside me. He slips his arm around my waist, pulling me close as we both watch Mirelle sleep. "She’s going to grow up strong and fearless, just like her father."