Page 11 of At His Wife's Behest

He needed purpose, too. Was the Cross Foundation that purpose? No, but it was all he had besides Abigail at that moment. He descended the stairs to find his daughter’s wild hair tamed into pigtails with her backpack already on, clutching her mother’s hand.

“I’ll take her to school today, Kel. I needed a break this morning and to spend a little time with this rugrat,” she said, tickling Abigail.

Abigail giggled, leaning closer to her mother.

Kellan stiffened. “But I always take her to school.”

“One day won’t be the end of the world.”

“I’ll be leaving for a week soon, so let me have my mornings until then,” Kellan said.

Emma sighed. “Fine.”

“Leaving for a week?” Abigail asked, her face screwing up.

“Daddy has to go somewhere to help Mommy. It’s just a short trip,” Emma said.

“Okay,” Abigail replied, tugging on Kellan’s arm. “Come on, Daddy. We’re going to be late!”

“Oh no!” he said, rushing out the front. He strapped Abby into her car seat and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Emma snuck in a kiss, too.

“Have a good day, sweet girl.”

“I will!”

Kellan slid behind the wheel and glanced into the rearview at his daughter. “Let’s go see if Cecelia Bedelia has arrived!”

“What would you think of a week in Italy?”

Connor Quaid laughed as he sped down the interstate, late for work. “Sounds wonderful. When?”

“I’m still working on the date, but it’ll likely be a couple of weeks. Mid-May?”

“Kimber, you know I can’t go.”

“It’s all expenses paid,andthe compensation is more than adequate. Worth your time.”

“You’re aware I have another jobotherthan being arm candy for your rich clients. That’s why I’ve specified nights and weekends only. Or summers.” He glanced over one shoulder, slipping in between two cars and onto the offramp, horns blaring behind him. “If they can push it to late June, I can go.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“Then ask someone else,” Connor replied.

Kimber sighed. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you were the right man for the job.”

“Oh? And why am I the right man for the job?”

“This is an unusual case. Soon-to-be single dad who seems to have forgotten that he’s more than just a father. His wife is the one ordering him a date.”

“His wife?”

“She wants someone to be gentle with him. Remind him he’s more than just a dad, but a man with needs. I think that’s right in your wheelhouse. You understand parents and caring for children, so you can be empathetic.”

Connor pulled into the parking lot of Allton Academy, screeching into a parking place. “Let me think it over and get back to you.”

“End of day, Connor. I need to get this set.”

“End of day, I promise,” Connor said before ending the call and turning off the engine. He snatched his messenger bag and raced into the building.

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