Page 170 of Save Me

“You didn’t do anything.” Patience swats my arms away to release Stasi. “Your father’s being ridiculous.”

Stasi’s eyes widen. “Oh, is this because Kennedy fell in love?”

I narrow my eyes on her. “You knew?”

She shrugs. “Everyone knows. I saw it when he took us horseback riding. He’s really cute.”

I growl, but Stasi keeps going.

“But I probably shouldn’t say that since he’ll likely become my brother-in-law soon.”

“Stasi,” my voice turns into a warning.

My little girl bursts out laughing before wrapping her arms around my waist. “Don’t worry, Daddy. I won’t ever leave you.”

Her words soothe my bruised heart.

“I told you,” I tell Patience.

She rolls her eyes.

Stasi pulls back. “Oh, Mom, can you braid my hair for tonight? I’m going to go up and wash and blow dry it now.”

“Of course,” Patience answers.

“What’s tonight?” I ask.

“Movie with friends.”

“You just got home,” I tell her. “Will boys be there?”

“You should go get started on your hair.” Patience pushes Stasi toward the stairs.

“What happened to she’ll never leave me?” I gripe as she rushes up the stairs.

“She said that because our daughter has had you wrapped around her finger since birth.”

I open and close my mouth, the protest I had dying on my lips. It’s true.

“Aaron,” Patience screeches when I yank her into my chest.

One hand binds her by the waist to me while my other hand cups her face. “I can’t trust our daughters, but you’re never going anywhere.”

A smile touches her lips, and my heart does its usual somersault at the sight.

“I’ll always be right here with you.”

Exactly what I needed to hear. She gasps when I lift her by the legs to circle my waist.

“Aaron,” she scolds on a whisper-yell. “Stasi is upstairs.”

“Which is why I’m taking you downstairs.” She won’t hear us from down there. And I need to be inside of my wife right now.

“You better make it quick,” she says as I descend the stairs.

“I’m never quick with you.”

And I never will be.

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