94
After all the guests are gone, a bellhop helps us transfer all the loot upstairs to our suite. We're planning on moving back home tomorrow, but it looks like we'll be doing that without Bella. Just the thought of walking into our bedroom without her makes my heart throb painfully.
I sit on the couch with my head in my hands and try to remind myself how to breathe without my other half.
The girls get ready for bed, and we sit together, waiting to hear from Bella. No one talks, no one pays attention to the TV Jasper turns on for background noise. I feel bad that their birthday isn't everything we hoped it would be, but the girls just blame Gianna.
Bella calls right before midnight to wish the girls one last happy birthday and tells us they're making good travel time.
"We should be in DC in a couple hours. I'm meeting with the investigators in charge of my case first thing in the morning, and we'll go from there."
"Bella …" I start, but she sighs.
"Please don't. Just don't. Please."
"Okay. I love you so much."
"I love you too. Tell the kids to behave or I'll beat them when I get home."
An echo of boos brings a smile to my face.
I barely get any sleep, plagued with nightmares. At some point in the night, two warm bodies silently crawl into my bed and wrap their arms around me.
It's been ten years since my girls have slept with me, and I am glad we can be here for each other.
I take a picture and send it to our vampire, telling her we already miss her so much, and she scolds me for still being awake.
They need you on your best game, sweetheart. Please try to take care of yourself while we're apart.
We text back and forth until she tells me her flight is landing.
My stomach is in knots, but she assures me that everything is going to be fine.
I'll be home before you know it. Love you.
I wish I could believe her words.