Leah looked at him through her tears.
"But what if they ask?"
"Then I'll answer them."
"What if they hate us?"
"They won't….Leah, those boys adore you."
"You can't promise that!"
Declan pulled her closer, cupping her face.
"I can promise you that I'll never stop being their father, and I won't allow anybody to make you feel like you haven't been their mother. You've earned that place, Leah. Every damn day of your life, you've earned it."
She finally broke, pressing her face against his chest. Declan wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
"I don't want to lose them," she whispered.
"You won't."
"I don't want them looking at me like I'm a stranger."
"They won't, baby. I won't let that happen."
He held her for another moment, rubbing her back until her breath
