Page 105 of Why Not Us?

I incline my head toward the house, and we go back inside together, taking a seat in the living room.

“So you guys aren’t broken up, right?” Dani asks, looking between us. “Are you going to get married and have a baby like Mom and David? Can I be your bridesmaid, Adalie?”

My breath catches as I think about marrying Adalie, promising to spend the rest of my life with her. It’s not something I thought I’d ever want, but now that I’m sitting here with her and my daughter, I don’t think there’s anything I want more. Except maybe a little red-haired baby girl to complete the picture.

Adalie laughs at Dani’s enthusiasm, sending me a quick look, but we’d already discussed that Adalie can tell Dani whatever she thinks is right in the moment. “It’s still a pretty new relationship, Dani. And, while my friends have gotten married super fast, I’m more of a slow and steady kind of person. So, if we get married one day, it won’t be for a while. But, if it happens, you can absolutely be a bridesmaid.” She looks at me again. “Unless you’d rather be the best man for your dad.”

Dani giggles. “I can’t do that. I’m not a man.”

I listen as Adalie tells Dani about how Vic is going to be Spencer’s best man, which Dani finds the funniest thing in the world. Eventually, Taylor comes up and I make dinner, listening to my family talk and laugh together. Adalie stays for dinner, and after, Dani goes upstairs to talk to Katie. The first thing she says is, “Guess what. Dad and Adalie are back together.”

Of course, Katie already knew that because I told her last week. Adalie stays until after the phone call, then goes home when Dani says good night. I walk her to her car and kiss her goodbye. It’ll be the first night we’ve spent apart since last week, but I’ll call her later. When Dani is in bed and I go to tuck her in, I sit on the edge and smooth her hair back from her face.

“You know how much I love you, right?” I ask her.

“Of course. I love you, too, Dad.”

I nod, considering exactly what I want to say. “No matter what happens between me and Adalie, I will always love you.”

“I know that, too. Just like Mom will always love me even though she and David are going to have a new baby. I’m not worried, Dad. You and Adalie have been dating for a while now and nothing’s changed, except now she gets to be here more often. She’s pretty cool, you know.”

I chuckle. “I do. I’m really glad you like her. I don’t think I could ever be with anyone if you didn’t like her, pipsqueak.”

After Dani is asleep, I lay in my bed, my phone in my hand, and I place a call.

She picks up after only half a ring. “I was waiting,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

“How was your drive home?” I ask.

“Not nearly as eventful as when I got home. My mom called.”

I sit up. “What did she say?”

“She wants me to come over for dinner this Sunday, toclear the air, she said.” Adalie snorts. “I said I was going to be with you and Dani this weekend. So she said, you were both welcome.”

“Yeah?”

“Well, she said it somewhat begrudgingly, but yes. I said I’d talk to you about it, but I wouldn’t have her or anyone say anything remotely rude or mean toward Dani. And if they did, not only would we leave immediately, but I wouldn’t be back. Ever.”

I blink. “You would cut off contact with your family for my daughter?”

“No, Nate. I would cut off the people I’m related to for your daughter. Myfamilyis Spencer, Vic, Derek, and their families. Myfamilyis… you and Dani and Taylor. My family wouldn’t ever say anything I’d need to stand up against.”

“Adalie?”

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

She chuckles. “I love you, too.”

I hear the rustle of movement from her end, and she says, “Now. There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.”

“What’s that, princess?”

“We’re not going to be seeing each other overnight for the next week. But I still kind of want you to make me come.”

My dick hardens instantly at her words. “Oh? And how do you suppose we make that happen?”

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