Page 104 of Their Perfect Daddy

“Ohhhh. Does this mean we get to put Daddy in some spandex? I would so be down for this.”

As my boys dissolve into a fit of giggles, I can’t help but smile at their antics. I’m far luckier than I understood. They don’t care about my money or what I can bring to this relationship. My boys want me for who I am as a person.

I knock on the slightly ajar door before pushing it open. “Do you have a moment, Herman?”

My boss’s eyes meet mine, and he smiles. He waves his hand for me to join him.

“Good morning, Dr. Gellar. How are you today?”

“I’ve told you a million times to call me Skye. If I get to call you Herman, then you should do the same.”

He grins and shakes his head. “My apologies. It’s a hard habit to break, even for someone who others might consider in a superior role.”

“Understood,” I reply with a nod. “I want to discuss an idea with you if you have a few minutes to spare. I promise it won’t be long.”

Herman closes the laptop and steeples his fingers. The move is further proof as to why he’s such an amazing head of surgery. As someone who has been ignored in favor of someone trying to multitask, his desire to fully engage with me is reassuring.

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“I’m not sure how you’ll feel about this, but I think it'll be an all-around good decision for us.” I take a moment to remind myself this is the right thing to do. “For many years now, I’ve worked with clients you’ve suggested to me. Almost all of those cases have been people who need my general expertise after having been approved by their insurance. But there are many more who don’t get those approvals, or worse, have no type of coverage at all. I propose moving to pro bono work only. This would free up my role for you to bring on another full-time surgeon.”

After finishing my spiel, I lean back in my chair to await his reply. Shock moves through me when he gives me an epic grin. I’m even more surprised as his eyes water and tears begin pouring across his cheeks.

“Skye…” his voice breaks.

“Herman? Are you alright? I’m sorry if I’ve upset you —”

His hand comes up to halt my apology. “There isn’t anything for you to be sorry about, Skye. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your decision.”

“Gratitude?” I ask, now quite sure I follow.

“Yes, gratitude. While you see several of the cases coming through the door, there are loads more I’ve had to turn away because we simply can’t help them. Sometimes they’re cosmetic, and other times it’s a matter of life and death.”

I nod, understanding filling me at his words. “And now you won’t have to send them to another hospital.”

“Exactly. I can’t tell you how much it’s haunted me through the years to know there might be people who haven’t gotten the care they needed because my hands were tied with red tape.”

“It’s not your fault. We don’t always get to make the fair call.”

His smile grows. “We do now. You’re going to be even more of a celebrity after this. Think you can handle the attention?”

“I’m not worried. My boyfriends are far too possessive to share me with anyone else.”

“Boyfriends? I’d heard something but thought it was merely a rumor. Congrats to you then. And if they’re part of the change, I’ll need to be sure to send them gift baskets of some sort to show my appreciation. What do they like?”

My brain immediately goes to lingerie and video games. While both would make my boys happy, I don’t think it'd be appropriate for me to share this with Herman.

“No need to send thanks. They were merely speeding up the eventual goal. I’ll share your thanks if you’d like.”

“Yes, please. And I’d love to meet them when you get the chance. Maybe we can do dinner or something?”

Smiling, I agree to the plan. We go over a few more minor details, then I leave him in his office. There is lots for him to work on now since I’m changing positions. He’ll have to dointerviews, coordinate new clients for my pro-bono work, and contact the admin team to let them know what shifts will take place.

Despite it being a ton of work on his end, I have no doubt he’s elated at the chance to do it all. I have no clue how he’s been dealing with sending patients away. I wouldn’t have been able to handle the worry if I were in his shoes. I suspect it’s the Daddy side of me who feels this way.

CHAPTER 35

DANNY

---