Page 96 of Protector Daddy

“Yet she’s more mature than any other woman I’ve ever been with.” I hoisted Reagan’s remaining bags and turned toward the door. “Safe trip back.”

“You think it’s all just going your way, don’t you?”

I locked my jaw. “I think I’m making the best of a shitty situation. I’m lucky to have a woman I love and my daughter I love in my life. So I’m through looking backward.”

“Well, yay, for you. So glad everything worked out so perfectly for you and your teen bride.”

“She’s not my bride yet but give me time.” I arched a brow. “And she’s far from a teen. Now if you’re done trading snipes, I’m needed inside.”

“I never poisoned Reagan’s head against you. Not once. Maybe I made some mistakes with her—and I can freely admit that now—but I always made sure she knew her father was a decent, stand-up kind of guy. I didn’t know you’d grow up like this,” she admitted, gesturing wildly, “but that’s neither here nor there. I preserved your rep with her. Don’t I at least deserve some thanks for that?”

“Thanks,” I said shortly. “Better leave soon. That snow isn’t letting up. Call Reagan when you’re home safe so she doesn’t have to worry.”

Slowly, she shook her head. “I really missed the boat with you.”

“Yeah, you really did. But what’s that song named? ‘Unanswered Prayers’? I wouldn’t want to live any version of my life without Honey in it. Drive safe.”

I didn’t look back until I heard her tires crunching over the snow in the driveway as she pulled away. Then I looked long enough just to make sure she was really gone before I locked the door.

I headed into the kitchen to see my girls giggling as they chopped fruit at the counter and silently thanked my lucky stars.

Honey immediately came over to wrap her arms around my waist. “Okay?” she asked quietly.

“So much better than okay.” I looped my arms around her and kissed her temple. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being you.”

“Oh, you’re certainly welcome for the honor of my presence.” She giggled when I tugged her hair.

I rounded the counter to hug Reagan from behind as she chopped fruit. “I asked her to let you know when she gets home, Rea.”

“Thanks. You didn’t fight?”

“No. We didn’t. You’re the important one here and we both know that.” I kissed the top of her dark and magenta-streaked hair and stole a piece of the green fruit she was currently cutting into artful shapes. “What’s this?”

“Kiwi.”

“Hmm.”

Honey grinned from the other side of the counter. “His stock answer when he doesn’t know what he thinks of something.”

“Think you’re so smart, huh?”

“Yes.” Honey popped another piece of kiwi in my mouth. “Admit it. It’s delicious.”

Slowly, I chewed and swallowed. “I could learn to live with it.”

NINETEEN

I wokeup early the next morning before Christian’s alarm. Which was actually set for me, since I’d agreed to work for Miranda after she’d taken my shift the other day.

Now lying in bed in the dark, yawning my damn head off, I was questioning the wisdom of that decision.

I fumbled on the nightstand for my Kindle then remembered I hadn’t brought it because the stupid thing wasn’t holding a charge. How was I supposed to get my steamy romance fix before work if my tech was failing me?

Just one more thing I’d have to squeeze into the budget. Along with rent for an apartment I wasn’t spending all that much time in.

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