The hallway already smelt like his aftershave before he even stepped in.
You sat on the edge of the sofa, folding a blanket that didn’t need folding, watching him through the corner of your eye. Hair slicked back, chain round his neck, fresh clothes, checking his phone like he wasn’t already late.
“You said you were stayin’ in,” you said quietly.
“I said I might,” he replied, barely looking up. “It’s just Kelce’s. I won’t be long.”
“She’s been askin’ for you all day.”
“And I’ve been here all day,” he said, voice a bit sharper. “Don’t make this a thing.”
You didn’t reply. Just folded slower.
From the rug, a soft voice through a dummy: “Daddy, where you goin’?”
He turned instantly. “Come here, my girl.”
She got up, dragging her blanket behind her, bunny in hand, and climbed into his lap as he crouched down. His arms wrapped round her small body, holding her like it was second nature.
“Daddy’s just goin’ out for a bit, yeah? I’ll be back before you even wake up.”
“You not stayin’?”
He kissed her cheek. “Not tonight, bub. But I’ll be back. Promise.”
She didn’t say anything, just cuddled in tighter.
You stood, arms folded. “She hears that every time.”
He looked up. “What do you want me to do? I ain’t allowed a night out now?”
“She just wants you here. So do I. But whatever.”
He exhaled, stood up with her still clinging to him, then gently passed her to you. She settled against your chest with a tired little sigh, dummy still in.
“She’ll be alright with you,” he said, quieter now. “Always is.”
“That ain’t the point.”
He stepped forward, kissed her forehead again. “Be good for Mummy, my girl. Daddy’ll see you in the mornin’.”
She gave a small nod, already half-asleep.
Rafe grabbed his keys. “I’ll call you later.”
You didn’t answer.
At the door, he paused. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s just one night.”
“That’s what you always say.”
He gave you a tight look, like he wanted to say more but didn’t. Then the door clicked shut behind him.
You didn’t move.
The baby shifted in your arms, blanket sliding. You adjusted her gently, eyes on the flickering telly.
You whispered into her hair, “He’ll come back, baby.”
But you weren’t sure if you were saying it for her or for yourself.