Page 30 of Landlord Daddy's Girl

“You’re not intruding,” I say. “We’ve only got a couple of weeks with you before you head back, so let’s all go hang out and have a good time.”

“Yeah?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

He smiles. “Thanks, sis. I’d love to.”

“Great. Good. I’m glad.”

“Me too.”

I get off the bed and give my brother a big hug. He returns the hug, and just like that, all the cracks and fissures in our relationship have been mended. This fills my heart with joy.

“So, you interested in hanging out with Monty when I go back?” he asks. “I don’t think he likes the girl I hired.”

“Why do you say that?”

“He keeps peeing on her shoes.”

“Aww, he does miss me.”

“So, is that a yes?”

I laugh. “It’s a yes. I’d love to.”

“Thank you, sis.”

“You’re welcome.”

He looks up at me. “You seem happy.”

“I am. I really am.”

“That’s good. Then I’m happy for you, both of you.”

“Thank you, Derek. That means the world to me.”

I smile wide as all the pieces fall into place, and all is suddenly right with the world again.

EPILOGUE

SIERRA

Three Years Later

Itouch the thin platinum bracelet on my wrist and smile, knowing the word “Daddy” etched into the underside is there, but nobody else can see it. It’s a reminder from Slater that I am his. The bracelet has become my touchstone. A little something for me to draw strength and courage from when I need it. And today, on my first solo day in front of my new class, I need all the strength and courage I can get.

“All right, that’s it,” I say. “Good work today, everybody. And remember, your papers are due next week. Don’t slack off and wait until the last minute.”

They all groan good-naturedly as they file out of the lecture hall. Once empty, I stand at my podium and survey the hall, taking in the light, wood-paneled, semi-circular room with the stadium seating. I can practically feel the gravitas and prestige of the university seeping through the walls. It had been a long, hard road to get here, but here I finally am. My first classroom. My first post as a college professor. It’s probably a little corny to bethis excited about my first real job, but I don’t care. I can’t keep the smile off my face.

My brother got the permanent posting in England and moved overseas about two years ago. We travel back and forth to spend the holidays together. He loves his job and students and has even found somebody he wants to spend his life with. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. And that makes me happy for him. He’s living the life he always wanted, filled with the joy and love he so richly deserves. Having him so far away is difficult, but I’m so happy for him and so proud of him that I want to burst.

“Have I told you I’ve always had a teacher fantasy?”

I look up to see Slater standing near the doors at the top of the bowl. I laugh and feel my cheeks flush. I can’t believe that after all these years, the mere sight of him still sends a flutter through my heart and unleashes a swarm of butterflies in my belly. But that’s the effect he still has on me, and I love it.

“Is that so?” I ask.

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