Page 122 of Headed for Home

Kenzie’s dedication to the task follows the slope of nose. “You’re a really good dad.”

Charlie hum and lifts my index finger. “Uh-huh, like super cool.”

My eyes fling wide, scanning the two kids pampering me. I’m stunned motionless for several seconds. “Are you calling me your dad?”

“Duh, we gots two now. You and Daddy.” The little girl smears something on my lips. She doesn’t notice that I’ve gone unnaturally still. “I really like it when you make us laugh. You let me do fun stuff like jump on the bed and eat lotsa candy. I’m happy you’re marrying Mommy. Grow me a little sister in the baby garden, m’kay?”

“And a brother,” Charlie interjects.

“I’m a good dad.” Awe is thick in my voice.

“That’s what I said,” Kenzie huffs. “Aren’t you listening?”

Heat burns in my unblinking stare, too afraid to miss a second. “Every word. Tell me more.”

The little boy plops a sticker on my pinky. “I think I love you. Is that otay?”

My throat clogs and I struggle to swallow. Affection wraps me in a suffocating hug. I’m too choked up, seconds from ruining Kenzie’s paint job. A jerky nod is what I manage.

“I love you both very much,” I whisper eventually.

“Loves you, Daddy Number Two.” Kenzie boops my forehead with a glitter bomb.

Charlie snuggles into me while the beautician finishes her task. I glance at the ceiling, allowing this moment to wash over me. There’s a comfort spreading through my chest that I’ve never experienced. Like a bond solidifying. This is home.

The smell of coffee teases my nostrils and I groan. Cassidy’s angelic form comes into view. She’s carrying two mugs, which momentarily steals my focus. That’s the reason I don’t realize she’s stopped short.

“Ohhhhh, how cute. I might swoon. My knees are actually buckling.” She whips out her phone and takes a picture. “You were wrong.”

“About what?”

“Youaretrouble for my heart. It’s going to burst.” She blinks quickly as if fighting her own tears.

“That sounds serious, but let’s focus on the caffeine.” I beckon her forward.

Cassidy slides onto the edge of the bed, passing me a cup. “Just how you like it.”

I inhale the mouthwatering aroma. “My fiancée loves me.”

“Extra hard,” Kenzie says while coloring my cheeks.

Cassidy chokes on a sip. “What’s that now?”

“Nothing.” I swallow a mouthful of dark roast and sigh. “Why does coffee taste better when someone else makes it?”

“It’s the devotion mixed into the blend.”

I tip the mug to my lips. “Delicious.”

Her attention lingers on my face. “Very adorable, trouble.”

“I’m a good dad,” I explain.

She holds her coffee in midair. “They finally told you, huh?”

“We love Rake,” Charlie answers.

Kenzie nods. “He’s our Daddy Number Two.”

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