Page 82 of Hidden Heir

It’s not until he touches my cheek that I realize I’m crying. “Oh god.” I turn away, quickly dabbing at my eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“Tell me what’s wrong.” He slides one arm around my waist and cups my face with the other. “What’s happened?”

“Nothing,” I insist. “Nothing at all. It’s just… well, I guess I’m a little overwhelmed.”

“Do you need me to wind the party down?” His eyes flood with concern as he wipes my tears with his thumb.

“No, no it’s not that. It’s just…” I close my eyes and turn into Leon’s hand, soaking up his contact for a moment. Then I look him in the eye. “For her first birthday I did nothing because I couldn’t afford to. I figured it was okay because she wouldn’t remember so it was just me singing to her in my apartment. We spent her second birthday in the hospital because Ant was so high out of his face that he crashed his car and I had to wait for him to get stitches. By the time we got home, it wasn’t her birthday anymore. For her third, I tried really hard and Hannah…” I pause, swallowing back the emotion. “Hannah helped me and we tried to throw her a party but Ant was sick. He got her sick too so she spent her birthday feeling crummy and opening two presents because that’s all I could afford.”

Leon’s brow knits together in mild anger.

“I kept telling myself that once my business took off I’d be able to spoil her but look at her now.” Tiffany’s squeals of delight and laughter carry on the breeze toward us.

“This is more than I ever thought I could give her. She has more presents than I can count, more food than we’ve ever had. I am able to get her the things that she dreams about. She’s surrounded by people who adore her, not a drug-addicted uncle who cares more about his next fix than her safety. It’s all just so overwhelming because I can’t believe it’s real. Does that make sense?”

Leon smiles softly and pulls me closer, wrapping me up in a big bear hug. He kisses the top of my head. “It makes perfect sense. You should be proud, Brooke. You’ve done incrediblethings to keep her safe and she’s happy and healthy. She’s having the time of her life. Because of you.”

Leon pulls back and cups my face. “She might not remember but I’ll know. And I’ll always be proud of you.”

“You’re just saying that because I’m good in bed,” I tease, sniffling through my happy tears.

Leon laughs and kisses my forehead. “Maybe. But in all seriousness, look around you, Brooke. Our daughter is blossoming. Ronan Murphy is here and let me tell you, the Russians and the Irish haven’t been in the same room in decades. You’re unintentionally building bridges between families that have been quiet enemies for longer than anyone can remember. So believe me when I say thatyouare incredible. As a woman and as a mother.” He casts his gaze around at the party. “You don’t need to look any further to see that.”

“You have such a way with words,” I chuckle, nudging against his chest. “But thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Mommy!” Tiffany suddenly yells, running toward us at a full sprint. “Daddy!”

My heart swells each time I hear her say that and when I glance at Leon, he looks like he’s the one who’s about to cry.

“Hi sweetie!” I catch her when she launches into my arms and scoop her up.

“Is it cake time?” she asks.

“It can be.” I smile, kissing her warm cheek. “Daddy, will you do the honors?”

“Gladly!”

Selina calls everyone around to watch as Leon lights the candles. Once they’re lit, he squints down at the cake. “Harry birdie?” he questions quietly, glancing up at me. I narrow my eyes and he laughs.

“You can decorate next year.” I murmur.

“Oh no,” Leon smirks. “I want you to decorate every year.”

I set Tiffany down in front of the cake and then look around. It’s hard to believe that I now have this insane, dangerous family around me to help raise and protect Tiffany but I love it. I never anticipated my life taking such a dramatic turn. It might have been painful but it was incredibly worth it.

A chorus of Happy Birthday rises up from the crowd. Selina and Rik link arms and sway together while Ronan and Kreik raise a glass. Tiffany grabs Leon’s hand as she leans forward to blow out her candles.

This is the family she deserves.

36

BROOKE

Ican’t sleep.

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