Page 108 of Protector Daddy

“Oh, yeah?”

Briefly, I told him my idea for the swing and why I thought it would be perfect for Honey. “She’s a big reader and she reads to the ducks near the park by the gazebo, but she commented how it’ll be too cold to sit outside soon. So I saw something in this book about a padded swing and I was thinking we could adapt for indoors, then do an outdoor version in the spring. But I also want to add a smaller swing beside hers for the baby.” I frowned. “Though maybe I should add another swing for Boomer. He won’t want to feel left out. If it turns out Reagan is a reader too, maybe we can add on.”

“That’s a hell of a lot of swings, but luckily, you have the room for it.” Moose held up a hand. “Wait a second, baby? Think you skipped a step.”

I laughed. “We skipped a bunch of steps, but somehow, I think we’re right on time. The baby’s not for sure yet but we’re hoping.”

Something loosened in my chest as Reagan came down the stairs with my brother’s twins holding her hands on either side. Vee brought up the rear, smiling softly and rubbing her pregnant belly.

Moose looked over at her and the love in the look they exchanged made the last of the tension drain from my shoulders.

I wanted what they had.

Honey came into the room with my mother, laughing quietly, carrying yet more covered dishes of food while my dad wheeled in yet another food cart behind them. My girl caught my eye and grinned, making my pulse race just as it always did.

We were on our way to having exactly what they had. Plus, we had Reagan too.

Now I had fucking everything—and I was going to do my best to make sure Honey and Reagan were every bit as happy as they’d made me.

Conversation and laughter flowed easily around the dinner table, and even Maddie ended her phone call and rejoined us.

In the middle of dinner, my mom hit her fork against her wine glass and gathered everyone’s attention. “I just wanted to say how nice it is that even when everyone is so busy in their personal lives, each one of you takes the time to come to dinner with your father and me. Well, other than Travis, but I have faith he’ll make it up to us on Thanksgiving.”

“Doubtful.” Penn coughed into his hand then grabbed the peas and pearl onions and scooped a bunch onto his plate.

My mom gave him a sidelong glance before continuing. “But I didn’t want the evening to pass without acknowledging the two important new people who have joined us for the first time this evening. Christian’s daughter Reagan and his girlfriend Honey. Honey already whipped us all into line.”

“Started off doing it with Christian, so I’ve had practice.” She smiled innocently while laughter broke out around the table.

“You sure have.” My mom smiled indulgently. “Most of us already knew Honey from around town and from her handsome older brothers, who work with our Christian at the police station. But adding these two to our family is just so lovely. Welcome to the Mastersons. We love you both already.”

“She means welcome to the looney bin,” Penn added with a grim smile. “Save your ticket stub in case you want to exit later.”

“Shh, you.” Maddie smacked his arm and smiled warmly at Reagan. “Glad to have another female around here near my age. You too, Honey.” Then she winced. “Not saying you’re exactly my age—” She broke off and grinned. “These pork chops are really good, Ma. Using different spices?”

“Yes, flavored with your brother’s tears once I put sugar in his gas tank and trap him here in my evil clutches. Mwahahah.”

Everyone laughed and Reagan whispered, “Burn,” just loud enough for me and Honey to hear.

I grinned at my crazy family, so relieved at how everything was going I didn’t even hesitate to take the floor to speak. “Thanks, Mom. I feel really grateful for all of you and for my two favorite women.” I flashed a sidelong smile to encompass both Honey and Reagan. “I’m even grateful for Penn. But I promise to look the other way if you want to sugar his tank. No tickets from me.”

“Hey, what’d I ever do to you?”

“Want a list starting from childhood?”

“Oh, here we go.” But he grinned just the same and came around the table to haul me up in a half hug man-style. “Happy for you, dude. Honey, good luck. I’ve heard he snores.”

Honey made a face. “Nope. That would be me.”

“As soft as windchimes,” I said under my breath.

“Reagan, Christmas is pretty epic around here, so it’s not all bad.” Then he hugged both Reagan and Honey. “Welcome to the family, ladies.”

Later, when I stood up to help Mom and Moose serve the dessert and after-dinner coffee, Reagan tugged on my hand.

“Dad? I really like your family.”

Dad. The word that never failed to slay me. “Good. I’m so glad. They’re your family too, honey.”

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