Page 43 of Their Perfect Daddy

“That’s the one. Well, she had that. When the pain became too intense, she went to the ER thinking it was her appendix. Our sister went on a fucking vacation and is now coming home with a baby.”

“Oh, Poppy.”

“Yeah. That’s what I said. There were complications in the delivery room. I don’t know ‘cause I didn’t make it here until things went to shit. Daisy and Dewey were with her though. They were in the room, Skye.”

I hang my head at his words. If there were two people the least equipped to deal with something like this, it’s the twins. Not because they aren’t capable, but because it’s triggering as fuck for them. They had an accident as teens that kept them in the hospital for a while. Since then, it’s been a tough thing for them.

“Which hospital is she in? I need to get on a flight. Have you spoken to the doctor? Where is her fucking fiancé?!” I rattle off the questions in a rush.

Small hands grab my face. It’s then I realize I’m crying.

Panic isn’t helpful right now. I need to remain calm and focused. My sister needs me there. Even if I don’t have rights in the hospital to work on her, I can help interpret the information for my family.

“I’m ok, Princess,” I say softly.

“Princess? Are you on a date? Oh, fuck. I’m sorry?—”

Monty snatches the phone from my hand. “Don’t worry about it. The three of us only just got dinner. We’ll get him fed while he books a flight. Then we’ll send him to you. Be sure to take care of him. That or I’ll send some of my bigger scarier friends your way, pal.”

At any other moment, I’d be laughing at how ridiculous it is that my brat is threatening my brother. Instead, I’m trying to stop the tears as the sweet boy in front of me fights his own. When his bottom lip trembles, I get ahold of myself.

Taking a deep breath, I lean over and kiss him softly. Monty is still talking to Gale, hopefully with less threats and more details of where I need to be. I’m too ruffled to focus yet.

“Eat,” Danny demands as he holds up a slice of pizza to my lips.

Like a baby bird, I open my mouth to take a bite. The food has little taste. Despite the lack of flavor, I know it’s necessary.

“We’ll be in touch. I’ll send you my number, too, in case you need to reach us for something. Nice meeting you, Gale.” Monty hangs up the phone to the sound of my brother’s groan.

That gets a small smile out of me. My brat sees it, then does a small bow as if to say he did that on purpose.

“How many pieces did Daddy eat?” He directs the question at our princess.

Danny holds up two fingers, then curls a third awkwardly. “Two and a half.”

I shake my head. “It’s enough for now. Anything more is going to upset my stomach. Did you get the details I need? I’ve really got to book the flight.”

“It’s already done,” Monty replies as he turns my phone toward me. “I told Gale he needed to handle it for you. He sent the details to you so all we have to do now is get you packed, then drive you to the airport. We’re going to work together, ok?”

The amount of love that swells through me is staggering. I nearly bowl over with it.

Instead of declaring how I want to spend eternity worshipping them, I nod and say, “Sounds good.”

A half an hour later, I’m packed up and in the back seat of my own car as Monty drives us to the airport. Danny is tucked into my side, his fingers making patterns on my pants.

“Oh, shit! I need to let work know. My shifts need to be covered.”

“I can do that part, Daddy,” my boy says eagerly. “Gimme the phone.”

Handing the device over to my princess, I watch as he shoots texts to the contacts labeled boss and supervisor. I knew being organized would eventually pay off.

At the drop-off lane, I take a minute to take in my two men. The fact that they jumped in to help me when I needed it bodes well for our future. Though we’ll be apart for an unknown amount of time—because I can’t say until I see Poppy—I know we’ll be fine.

“You both need to be good. I want all the texts, videos, and voice notes. Don’t leave a single detail of your days out.” I take a deep breath as I hold out my arms. “I’m going to miss you both.”

“Miss you already,” Danny says.

Monty mutters, “Same.”

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