Page 94 of Safe and Sound

“Holding her just makes me all the more protective.”

“Dare would never hurt you or his daughter.”

“Deep down, I know that. It’s what his world could do to us that’s my issue.”

“I still think you’re making a mistake.”

“Maybe I am. But it’s mine to make,Vον?ς.”

His brows shot up in surprise. “You want me to be her godfather?”

“Was there any other choice?,” I teased.

“You have six other nieces and nephews.”

“You’re the only one for me.”

Tears pooled in his eyes. “Flatterer,” he mused.

“I try.”

Gesturing to the baby, Nick said, “I’m sure she’s going to have me wrapped around her little finger.”

“I’m sure she will.”

Dad poked his head in the door then. “Is it okay to come in?”

I laughed. “Yes, I’m decent.”

“Good.”

He and Mom made a beeline across the room to my bed. Instead of zeroing in on the baby, he leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

“Did you finally decide on a name?” Mom asked.

“It’s still a toss up between Phoebe and Chloe.”

“Oh I adore Chloe,” Mom said at the same time Dad said, “Phoebe is a classic Greek name.”

While playfully rolling my eyes, I joked, “You two are no help.”

Jerking his chin at Nick, Dad asked, “What’s your vote?”

“I still say she needs to give her an American name.” With a pointed look, he added, “One that isn’t Greek or Irish.”

At the mention of the baby’s paternity, Mom suddenly became obsessed with the bow on my daughter’s cap while Dad cleared his throat and stared down at the floor. Shooting Nick a look, I mouthed, “Asshole.”

He merely winked at me. The baby must’ve noticed the shift in the room’s vibes because she let out an ear-piercing shriek before ratcheting up with cries. “What’s wrong, my love?” I crooned as I shifted her in my arms.

“She’s got some hella loud pipes,” Nick remarked with a grimace.

“Maybe she’ll be a singer,” Dad mused.

“Are you our little piper?” Mom asked, as she ran her finger across the baby’s cheek.

“Yes, she is an excellent piper,” I laughed. And then it hit me. “Piper,” I murmured.

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