Page 34 of Festive

I’ve organized for Phantom to go with her and keep guard.

She looks my way and nods as if that is her version of a goodbye.

I snort into my drink.

So this is what it has come to?

No, I won’t let her leave on a fucking head nod.

Standing, I follow her out to the waiting cab.

Phantom is hoisting the luggage into the trunk while Rebel is trying to secure Kinzley into the car.

My girls keep looking back at me, so I walk up to the cab, my heart aching like a motherfucker. My breathing speeds up as I take in Kenna’s glistening eyes.

Fuck, I just got them back.

She rushes for my legs, slamming into them. “I don’t wanna leave you, Daddy.”

Shit.

My chest caves in, and I bend and pick her up into my arms. “Iknow, firefly, but it’s not forever. You’ll be back, and I’m gonna call you every day. I promise, okay?”

Her bottom lip trembles as I pull her to me, cuddling her so tight. My nose dips into her hair, and I take a long inhale so I can memorize my eldest girl’s scent.

I’m going to miss this.

I’m going to miss them.

Christ, this shit hurts.

Sniffling, I pull back and look into her watering eyes. “I love you, firefly.”

“Love you, Daddy.”

I plant a kiss on her nose, then place her in the back of the cab and buckle her up next to Kinzley, who has no idea what’s going on. I smooth her hair down and kiss her head. “Love you, Kinz.”

She simply slaps my chin like she always does, which forces a smile from me.

Pulling back out of the car, I stand in front of Rebel and glance at her stomach. “Take care of yourself. And our kids… all three of them.Okay?”

She nods. “Watch your damn six. You don’t even realize the dangers you have in your own house.” Her eyes shoot over my shoulder, and I glance behind me to Amber, who’s watching us from the clubhouse entry.

I exhale, turning back to Rebel, and nod. “I’ll call every day. Let me know when your plane safely lands in Phoenix.”

“I’m sure you’ll be hearing from Shotgun.”

The president of the Brothers by Blood MC, and practically Thayleah’s father, barely tolerates me as it is.

Yeah… there’ll be great times ahead.

“Phantom,” I call out, and he turns in the front passenger seat and looks at me. “Tell me the second I need to know anything.”

He nods. “You got it, Pres.”

I spin back to Rebel, reaching out for her hand. “I love you.”

Her eyes glisten, and she nods. “I know… just sort your shit out, Koda.” She turns, sliding into the back of the car with the girls.

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