Page 46 of Savage Daddies
Chapter Nineteen
Four weeks later...
“Did you have fun with Sarah?” Daddy Nash asks as I enter the cabin. He sets aside his tool kit, as well as the archaic communicator he’s been tinkering with for days, and rises to his feet.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, so handsome and strong, and almost completely recovered from his ordeal with the outcasts. He’s been up and about for over two weeks now, regaining his strength more quickly than the healer expected.
“Yes, Daddy Nash. We had a nice visit.”
“Has Robert returned from his latest trip to Emerald?”
“Yes. Sarah says he passed along my letter for Sheena to a Ranger who has promised to get it to her. I have no idea what she’ll decide to do, but at least she’ll know the truth now.”
“That’s good news.”
“It is. Oh, and a woman named Trina stopped by, too. Do you know her? She has a little baby boy. He’s adorable and so sweet. I held him and he giggled at me and it was marvelous.” I inhale a deep breath.
“Yes, I know Trina and her mates.” He opens his arms and beckons me into them. I move forward without hesitation, eager to be wrapped in his embrace. “I have a confession, little one.”
“Oh? What’s that? Did you do something naughty, Daddy Nash?” I giggle and peer up at him.
“I asked Trina’s mates if she would stop by during your visit with Sarah.”
“But why?”
“You once told us you feared you wouldn’t be a good mother. I know in my heart you will be an excellent mother one day, if and when the time comes, but I thought perhaps spending some time around a baby might help alleviate some of those doubts.” His gaze beams warm with affection.
My throat tightens and I lace my arms around his waist. “You-you set me up?”
He nods and presses a kiss to my forehead.
A contented sigh leaves me as I snuggle into his embrace. I’m touched by his efforts to calm my worries about becoming a mother. Until today, I’d never seen a baby up close, let alone held one, but I’d greatly enjoyed my visit at Sarah’s. I could easily imagine taking care of my own child and I know if we’re ever blessed with children, I’ll love them at first sight.
“Thank you, Daddy Nash. I-I lo-lo...” My voice trails off. Why can’t I say it? For all the affection my daddies have shown me, particularly in the weeks following the outcasts’ attack as Daddy Nash healed, I should have absolutely no doubt in my mind that they care for me. Do people in the wildlands fall in love? Maybe I read too many old books. They’ve never said the words either. Maybe I should keep quiet, lest I embarrass myself. Besides, what if I reveal my heart to my daddies and they don’t reciprocate my words of devotion? I don’t think I would ever recover.
But Daddy Nash’s next words still my racing thoughts.
“I love you, Josie.” His confession is a warm rumble next to my ear. “We all love you.”
“It’s true, little girl. We love you very much.”
I withdraw slightly from Daddy Nash’s arms to find Daddy Axel standing in the doorway. He’d escorted me to Sarah’s house, but on our return home he’d sent me into the cabin ahead of him while he helped a neighbor repair a wagon. I’m happy he’s home and I flash him a tearful smile, overcome with emotion as the two savages who’d kidnapped me profess their love.
Seconds later, footsteps sound in the hallway and Daddies Erik and Gage appear in the living room.
“We were in the kitchen,” Daddy Erik says, his intense blue gaze trained on me.
“We heard everything,” Daddy Gage adds, and both of them walk closer. Each of them puts a hand on me—Daddy Erik touches my shoulder while his twin cups the side of my face. “The four of us will love you until our dying breaths.”
“I-I love you, too,” I finally say. “All of you.” A lone tear cascades down my cheek, but Daddy Nash is quick to wipe it away with his thumb.
