Chapter 270
~Octavia~
The digital clock read 3:14 AM. I had gotten one after the birth of Lael. It helped me monitor her routine.
I let out a soft, ragged sigh as I paced around the nursery, gently rocking Lael against my shoulder. She was wide awake, her dark, glassy eyes staring up at the ceiling while she let out a series of tiny, fussy grunts.
My shoulders arched with absolute exhaustion, the skin beneath my eyes feeling heavy and bruised from the weeks of irregular sleep.
Suddenly, a warm pair of hands slid onto my hips from behind. I didn't even have to look to know it was Franklin. The solid, comforting heat of his chest pressed against my back, instantly melting me.
"Give her to me, sweetheart," Franklin whispered, his voice deep and rough with sleep. He carefully took Lael out of my arms and into his broad chest. "You've been pacing around. Sit down before you collapse."
