Page 96 of Sunshine
“Tess, how do you feel about butterscotch pudding?” I ask, narrowing my eyes and rubbing my chin like a detective.
“Actually, I love it.”
I smile widely, hop off my side of the booth, and squish between them on their side.
Taking my daddy’s hand, I point to the tattoo there. The Celtic triskele one. “This one is Daddy, this one is me, and I think if it’s alright with everyone, this one…” I look up at Tess and bite my lip. “Is you.”
She swallows, looking a bit watery. “And what does this mean?”
“It means you belong to us now.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Tessa
I look out the window and watch Reece sitting on a picnic blanket with her book. It’s a chapter book, a level way beyond what she should be able to read, but our little girl is special that way.
Harold sits next to Reece on the blanket, his head tucked into his wing while she reads aloud to him. The other geese wander close by but aren’t tucked into Reece like Harold.
It’s been her job to feed him ever since we found out he adores her. He’s afraid of Case, and still despises me, but it’s like he’s imprinted on her or something. As soon as she steps foot outside that damn goose’s head pops up and he starts quacking and waddling at breakneck speed toward her. The other animals love her too.
Reece turns slightly to show Harold the picture in her book and his tail waggles back and forth happily.
“Is that not the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen?”
“It is,” Case says, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. His duty belt pokes me in the back. “How long do you think we have before she comes inside?”
I turn my head, shooting him a scathing look. “Behave, Officer Callen. The babysitter will be here in an hour.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll wait, but if she’s late, I’m taking it out on your ass.”
I roll my eyes, but my stomach flips with anticipation. We don’t get enough time alone together now, at least not the kind of privacy we need for him to take care of me in the way I crave, no matter how badly I behave. Although he tries to come home for lunch a few times a week while Reece is in school.
“Where are you taking me tonight anyway?”
“It’s a surprise.”
I blow out in frustration. “You’re lucky you’re hot.” I turn around in his arms and push him back so I can see him in his police lieutenant uniform. His strong chest is deliciously hard under my hands.
“I finished the treehouse last night after you ladies went to bed.”
“You did?” I grin. “I can’t wait to see it.” He didn’t rebuild the playhouse, not wanting Reece’s special place to be marred with scary memories, so he built a treehouse in a large red oak tree near the house we affectionately refer to as The Club, which is also done except for a few finishes and furnishings on the inside.
“I’ll take you guys now if you want. Mack just brought the furniture in and set it all up.”
“Oh my god, yes! Let’s grab Reece.” I turn to go out the back door when I remember Harold. Spinning back to Case, I bite my lip. “Maybe you should grab her.”
He laughs. “Chicken.”
I lift my head high. “Perhaps that’s why Jake is still my man no matter how many treats Reece feeds him. He recognizes his kind.”
“C’mere.” He yanks me against him and kisses me until I’m breathless. Then we walk across the field hand in hand to collect Reece and her evil goose.
Harold follows a safe distance from me, until the treehouse comes into view. I gasp. Reece squeals. And Harold goes into attack mode. He fluffs up, chest out and charges me like a bull as if I’m the reason for Reece’s holler.
“Case!” I practically climb Case, until he scoops me up from the ground.
“Harold! Don’t be scaring my Tessie!” Reece scolds, and as if properly chastised, Harold tucks his wings back and honks indignantly. I smile at the name Tessie. Reece started calling me that when we all moved in together. I think it means she’s accepted me fully.
