Can't Do It Alone

"I don't wanna go away Randy..." Dessi whimpered.

"You're not gonna baby."

"You won't let me?" Dessi asked.

"Nope." Randy attempted a smile, rubbing her back soothingly.

Dessi nodded, a yawn escaping her lips.

Randy laid her down on the bed. He didn't know if she was supposed to be sleeping or not but he didn't care.

Dessi started to whine as soon as he put her down. "Randy......" Dessi whined.

"You want me to hold you?" He asked.

"Uh huh," Dessi nodded. "Safe there, warm there."

"Mmkay baby." Randy picked her back up and cradled her in his arms.

Dessi snuggled close. "Better," Dessi smiled weakly.

Randy chuckled, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"Love you," she paused. "daddy."

Randy beamed through tears. She'd never called him daddy before.
"I love you too honey. So so so much."

Dessi felt asleep a few minutes later, curled up safely in Randy's arms.

Randy cried. Teardrops plopped onto the small girl's head as she slept, dampening her hair while he waited for Evan.

Evan carried a folder in his hand when he walked back into the room. "How is she?" Evan asked.

"She's taking it better than I am." He gave a small smile.

"Better than I am too," Evan said softly.

"I love her so much Evan. She can't leave us." Randy shook his head, enveloping his younger lover in a hug.

"I can't go through that again," Evan said. "Not again, not with my baby."

"I'm sorry Evan." Randy sighed. "Is there anything they can do?"

"You do realize how difficult this is going to be on her right?" Evan asked. "I understand if you don't want to have to see her suffer like this........I can understand if you'd....want to leave."

Randy gaped at Evan.
"How could you think I would leave?" He asked incredulously. "i'm never leaving you or Dessi. Ever."

Evan nodded. "I just....I've seen how rough this gets...."