Page 117 of Their Perfect Daddy

True! BYE!

I shove my phone in my pocket before closing all the programs on the computer and shutting off the lights. After flipping the door sign and locking things up tight, I turn to my folks.

“I’ll ride with y’all. I didn’t drive this morning.”

Neither seem fazed by the news. I’m thankful, though the feeling only lasts a few minutes because I have to instruct my dad on which way to drive.

“Did you move, son? I seem to remember us driving in a different direction last time.”

“I did move. You’ll see when we get there.” I take the lapse in questioning to shoot off a text to Skye.

Princess:

Parents are in town. We’re almost to the house. Please be dressed.

Daddy:

Glad you texted since we were naked and fucking on the couch.

I splutter at the words on my screen. Daddy is never this forthcoming. It’s as if he’s someone else entirely.

Daddy:

As you might have guessed, that wasn’t me, Princess. Our brat decided to be funny for a moment. No worries. We’re both dressed. I’ve just finished making lunch. There's enough to share.

A sigh slips out at the news. It makes sense Monty would joke around. He’s all about ruffling feathers where he can.

I don’t reply anything else because I have to focus on making sure we get to the house in one piece. Not because my dad is a bad driver or anything. It’s really because he’s taking forever to get us there with the interrogation he’s launched.

Surprisingly, Mom doesn’t join in. I think it’s because she enjoys watching his mind work. Or maybe she’s got too many theories to voice. The woman does love a good puzzle.

“Turn down this drive,” I tell Dad once we reach the house.

He does so carefully, like he’s worried this is a prank. I shake my head at his antics. As soon as he parks, I climb from the back and move to open Mom’s door. She beams at me, saying, “How sweet of you!”

Dad gives me a hard stare over the door. I only smile back since I know it'll get under his skin more than any words I say could.

“Son, I don’t mean to pry,” Mom starts as we approach the front door. “But how can you afford a place this big? It’s got to be worth a lot more than you’re making at the boutique. I’m sorry if that offends you.”

“Not offended at all, Mom. It’s a valid question. I think it will all make sense once we’re inside.”

I key the code into the door, then push it open once it unlocks. Slipping my shoes off, I wait as my parents do the same. It’s not a hard and fast rule of the house. I just know it'll help them feel more at home to take away the formal layer.

“Honeys! I’m home!” I shout for dramatic effect.

“In the kitchen!”

The sound of Monty’s voice has my parents giving me curious looks. I don’t say anything to give them hints at what we’re walking in to. It’s more fun this way.

As we step into the kitchen area, Monty bounces over to me. He places an arm around my waist and then holds the other out to my mom.

“Pleasure to meet you both. I’m Monty.”

Mom giggles at the wide smile he throws her way. “Nice to meet you, Monty.”

He shakes her hand before moving to Dad. The man who raised me grunts at the exchange, though his lip quirks slightly at the corner. He won’t be able to hold the façade for long. I think Monty senses it too because he presses a kiss to the side of my head before moving back around the counter.

“Skye is just washing up. He was a bit messy from all the flour,” Monty tells us.

---