Page 74 of Paternal Instincts
He glanced at me, tears glistening on the surface of his smiling eyes, shame burning his cheeks. “Papa’s here too. He’s excited to meet you as well.”
“We’re counting the days,” I added, never taking my eyes off Quaid.
“Love you, baby.”
Somehow sensing we were finished, Bryn came back on the line, and they said goodbye.
When Quaid hung up, I hooked a hand around his neck and tugged him against my mouth, kissing him.
“You slay me, Quaid Valor. I didn’t think I could love you more, but you always prove me wrong. You’re already an amazing dad.”
“I love you too. Do you think he or she can hear me?”
“I have no doubt.” I brushed a thumb over his cheek where a stray tear had snuck out. “I can’t wait to start this journey of parenthood with you. That baby is going to be spoiled rotten and loved to death.”
“They already are. Have you seen the nursery?”
Smiling, I drew him into my arms and hugged him fiercely. The onboard computer system got in the way, but we made it work.
Oh, how far we’d come.
***
We arrived at the Davises’ and found Nixon, zombie-like, on the couch, watching his daughter color with his brother, Flynn, who had shown up after hearing that Imogen had taken off. Zoey professed that Flynn was the only person who could calm Nixon down when his grief overwhelmed him.
Upon seeing us, Flynn offered an apologetic grimace and eyed his brother, who glanced up with anticipation when we entered the room. “Did you find Genie?” he asked Quaid, shuffling to the edge of the couch.
“No, but we have a few more questions.”
Nixon rubbed tiredly at his face. “Aren’t you done harassing me yet? Shouldn’t you be searching for my son? My wife?”
“Nix.” Flynn moved to sit beside his brother, wrapping an arm around him. “Stay calm. They’re doing all they can.”
“Stay calm? My wife and son are missing!”
“I know, and these gentlemen are trying to help.”
Sparrow startled at the venom in her father’s tone. Quaid crouched beside her, admiring her drawing but speaking to Nixon. “The more information we gather, the closer we get to answers. Hi, sweetie,” he said to Sparrow. “Are you coloring more pictures?”
“Yes. Uncle Flynn was helping. Do you like it?” The girl held it up to show him.
“I do. Is that your mommy with the baby inside her tummy again?”
“No. That’s your shugaret.” She frowned. “I can’t remember the word. The lady who has your baby inside her tummy. Detective Aslan said she wasn’t his girlfriend or his wife ’cause he’s married to you.”
I smothered a smile at Quaid’s look of surprise. Nixon glanced at me, clearly stunned to learn of Quaid’s and my relationship.
“That’s amazing,” Quaid said.
“This is you, and this is Detective Aslan. The baby is a girl. I named her Daisy, remember?”
“I remember. Very pretty name.”
“I still like Moonbeam,” I said.
Sparrow giggled. “That’s a weird name.”
“I know.” Quaid scowled over his shoulder. “That’s what I said.”
