Free Durability (The LockDown Series Book 3) by Shannon Dobson Page A

his head, leaning my cheek to the top of it. “I’ll always be a mum to you, baby boy.” I kiss him again and lift my head to look at Melissa giggling and mumbling away.
    “Yay, I’ve got so much now. I’ve got a Daddy, two mummies, a little sister and uncles and aunties everywhere. I'm so lucky aren’t I Daddy?” he turns to my husband and asks, Leighton trying to fight his own tears at hearing his son so happy.
    “You deserve the world, Joe, so the world I will give you.” Leighton tells him.
    “I can't have all the world, Dad. You and Mum and Melissa have to have some too, don't you. Otherwise I’d be all alone.”
    “Don't worry, you’ll never be alone. We will always be here, son,” Leighton informs him, coming to sit on the edge of my bed. He lifts our son up and places him on his knee.
    We were now a family for sure. I have two beautiful children; healthy, lively, loved children.
    I look to Leighton and he smiles sadly, mouthing ‘are you okay?’ I just shrug back sadly. “What am I supposed to do if this doesn’t get better, if my arm doesn’t work again? I can’t be a mum with only one working arm.” I lean my head against Melissa’s hair filled head. I soak her soft flicks with my tears as I feel as though I am already letting her and Joe down. I have already put her at risk too many times whilst pregnant and newly born, and now I can’t even play or teach her properly with the gammy, useless limb attached to me.
    “Abigail. Stop!” he says sternly and I feel my body tense on the spot. It has been far too long since he has used this voice on me, and now here I am, privileged enough to hear it twice in a day. For the past few months, we have both been so stressed with wedding plans and the reintroduction of his family and son that our DOM/sub relationship has gone out the window. It makes me all kinds of tingly to hear that deep, clipped British tone.
    Abigail, control yourself. Now really isn’t the time to be getting yourself in a hot wet mess, I tell myself, squirming in my seat. I can see Antonio looking at me, acknowledging my sudden influx of need.
    “You do not get to give up, not now, not ever. Our daughter does not need you like this. Joe needs you to be strong and help him with what life will throw at him. Bring your chin up and push yourself. If I know you like I know I do, you will get through this regardless of the outcome. You will be a fantastic mother and wife.” I smile sadly back at him. “Now, focus on getting yourself better. You will be getting discharged within the week and then when your stitches are out and the wound is better you will be going to physiotherapy, whether you like or not, because I am not allowing you to fall down when you have brought me up so high.” He kisses my lips gently and strokes Melissa’s hair.
    “We’re going to get going Leigh. Do you want us to leave Mel and Joe here or take them with us?” I hear Ant ask Leighton as I continue to enjoy my cuddle with my girl. I know he is deliberately doing this, knowing I need time alone with my husband.
    God, husband. It sounds so strange but so bloody right.
    “Babe, you want them to take the kids home or do you want me to see if I can get a travel cot brought in for Mel?” I contemplate keeping them with me forever, but I know it is in their best interest to be in their own beds, safe and comfortable with their big bad uncle caring for them. I lean in and kiss Mel once more.
    “Take them home guys, they need their own beds. But bring them back tomorrow for me?” I ask them kindly as Georgia walks forward and bends to take Mel from my arms.
    “Night baby girl, sleep well for Aunty George and Uncle Ant.” I kiss her once more, her hands clasping onto the side of my hair. “Let go Mel sweetie, you’re hurting mummy.” I open her tiny grasp and release my hair. I stroke her head once before Georgia takes her from me. She leans and kisses my cheek herself.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow babe,