Page 23 of Twin Babies for the Pucking Billionaires

“Yes,” I mutter, distracted. “The dog seems nice.”

“No, Daddy. Millie.”

I groan internally, as I help my daughter into her car seat. I buckle my own seatbelt and we head out. “Daddy, you’re going the wrong way. Burger King is that way.”

I shake my head. “We need to make a quick stop.”

“Where?” she asks, confused.

“The clinic,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Why?”

“Because, princess, I’m allergic to dogs.”

We pull into the clinic parking lot. My eyes are starting to itch and I feel the familiar tightness in my chest. Lily looks concerned as I park the car.

“I didn’t know you were allergic,” she says, her voice small.

“It’s okay, Lily. It’s just a little allergy,” I reassure her, forcing a smile.

We walk into the clinic and I sign in at the front desk. Lily sits beside me, swinging her legs. “Do you need a shot or something?”

“Yeah, probably,” I say. The nurse calls us back and I get the shot. It stings, but the relief is almost immediate. We walk back to the car, and I can breathe a little easier.

“Daddy, can we still go to Burger King?”

“Yeah, princess. Let’s get you some dinner.”

We drive to Burger King and I can’t help but think about Millie and Chase. That giggle of hers, the way she crouched down to Lily’s level—it all replays in my mind. I pull into the drive-thru and order Lily’s favorite meal.

“Thanks, Daddy,” she says, munching on her fries.

“You’re welcome, princess.”

As we head home, I can’t stop thinking about Millie. Maybe next time, we’ll join them at the dog park. Maybe next time, I’ll get to hear that giggle again.

“Lily, finish up. Your babysitter is almost here and I need to get ready for practice,” I say, setting her up at the kitchen table.

“Okay, Daddy,” she says, already engrossed in her iPad.

I head to my bedroom to grab my gear. I text Finn, letting him know I’m almost ready to leave for the rink. Most days, we usually go together. Sure enough, he texts back, saying, “Wait up. I’ll be there in five.”

I carry my bag and skates to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Finn walks in, decked out in his full regalia sans the skates.

“Dude, we can change at the rink,” I tell him.

“No way,” he says, shaking his head. “I’ve been late for the last three practices. I don’t want to be on Coach Nate’s bad side.”

I laugh. “We’re going together, dumbass. You won’t be late.”

He grins and walks over to Lily. “How’s my favorite girl doing?” He kisses her head.

Lily beams up at him. “Hey, Finn. I met the nicest lady today.”

“Oh, do tell!” Finn says, stealing some of her fries. Lily protests and I watch them, smiling.

“Are you done terrorizing my daughter?” I ask.

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