*Ada*
I wake to the sound of Katya fussing over the baby monitor. Calvin must have been exhausted because Mace has slept right through it, and he never does that. I turn the monitor off and get up. It’s difficult to unlock the locks quietly, but Mace still doesn’t move.
I tiptoe down the hall to find Katya sitting up in bed. I’d almost left her with Mrs. Celeste, but I just wanted her close tonight. It’s nice having her nearby because when things feel strange or too difficult, she helps them feel right.
“Hey, Baby Girl,” I smile at her.
She smiles her big toothy grin at me as she sees me. I reach in, and it takes everything in me, but I lift her into my arms and sit in the rocking chair.
Her room is sweet. It’s everything a little girl who is loved should have. I wish I’d
