Page 111 of A Legal Affair
She laughed, squeezing Brandon’s shoulder. “Let’s just say it’s good to be back home in Houston.”
“I feel you.” Caleb took Daniela’s hand and linked their fingers, spreading warmth through her entire body. “Tamia, I’d like you to meet Daniela. Daniela, this is Tamia, the lady of the manor and Brandon’s better half.”
Daniela smiled at her, suddenly feeling weirdly shy. “Hello, Tamia. Nice to meet you.”
“You too, Daniela.” Her smile was genuine. “I love your hair. It’s gorgeous.”
“Thanks. Yours, too.” Daniela couldn’t resist adding, “I’ve seen you on magazine covers, and you’re even more stunning in person.”
“Aw, aren’t you sweet?” She winked at Caleb. “I like her already.”
“Yeah?” Caleb brought Daniela’s hand to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Me, too.”
Pleasure tingled through her veins. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brandon and Tamia share a secret grin. She didn’t know if they were reacting to Caleb’s PDA, or just being lovey-dovey. They were clearly crazy about each other. Anyone looking at them would never suspect that their relationship was once mired in a shocking scandal that nearly tore them apart for good.
When their napping three-month-old daughter stirred and lifted her head from Tamia’s shoulder, Brandon scooped her into his arms and kissed her noisily on the cheek whileshe gurgled adorably. Her beautiful cinnamon complexion was somewhere between medium and dark. With a halo of shiny black curls, big brown eyes, sweet round cheeks and cupid’s bow lips, she looked like a Gerber baby, like an actual living doll in a leopard print onesie and matching socks.
Brandon settled her on his lap and pointed to his computer screen. “Look, Tatiana. Who’s that?”
The baby followed the direction of his finger, homing in on Caleb. Her whole face lit up, and with a happy squeal, she lunged toward the screen, her chubby little fingers outstretched to Caleb.
“Hey, baby girl.” A broad grin split his lips as he lifted his hand to meet hers, laughing fondly when she gurgled a delighted greeting.
Daniela’s ovaries nearly burst at the cuteness overload. She gave them a minute to bond before cooing, “Hi, Tatiana.”
The baby’s eyes shifted to Daniela. Her delicate brow furrowed slightly and her lips puckered.
“Uh-oh,” Tamia joked. “I think someone’s jealous of Caleb’s girlfriend.”
Or she knows I’m a big fat liar. Babies have scary intuition.
“Sometimes she’s mean when she wakes up,” her big brother offered, trying to make Daniela feel better. “Daddy says Auntie Brooke was like that, too.”
Daniela gave the frowning newborn a hurt look. “You gonna do me like that, Princess Tatiana?”
The baby eyed her a moment longer and then cracked a tiny smile.
“Yay!” Daniela cheered with the others before Tatiana turned away, burrowing her face into her daddy’s shoulder. Grinning, Brandon cuddled her closer, rubbing her little back and nuzzling the springy curls on top of her head. When she started droolingand gumming his neck, he chuckled softly, his eyes glowing with tender affection.
Tamia grinned. “She’s probably hungry. I was about to feed her.”
“Speaking of food,” Caleb said, “Daniela and I were about to get some breakfast, so we’ll let you guys go do your thing.”
“It was great meeting you all,” Daniela told them.
“You too, Daniela,” Brandon said warmly.
“Look forward to seeing more of you,” Tamia added, dark eyes sparkling. “You and Caleb have an open invitation to visit us in DC. We’ll have a wonderful time.”
Daniela swallowed a pang of deep sadness and smiled enthusiastically. “I’d love that.”
After another friendly round of goodbyes, Caleb exited FaceTime, closed his laptop and set it aside.
Daniela sighed. “What an awesome little family.”
“They are,” Caleb agreed, smiling. “I’m glad you like them.”
“I really do. Brandon and Tamia are so down to earth, and their kids are super adorable. You’re great with them,” she added, smiling softly at Caleb. “You’re going to be an amazing father someday.”
