Page 16 of Daddy's Perfect Ballerina

Leo grins. “Sexy, right?”

I laugh, unable to help it. “Unbelievably. Now sleep, before that smirk of yours gets you into trouble.”

“You got it, Daddy.”

“Cheeky thing.”

“Love you,” he whispers.

“I love you too, baby.” And damn, do I.

Like I promised, I get him cleaned up and return to bed—after discarding the top cum-stained blanket—pulling his exhausted body into mine. We spoon until neither of us are able to stay awake a wink longer.

My last thought before sleep claims me is that it’s time to introduce him to Miley. As mine.

EPILOGUE

Ezra

One Month Later

Today’s the day. My almost four year old daughter has just wrangled herself into her favorite play dress, throwing it on right over her casual clothes for the day. It’s just about time for a book, so I have her come get comfortable with me in the book corner. Only I don’t move to pick up any reading material.

She’s eager for the story time today because I’ve told her there’s a surprise for her afterward—which isn’t a lie.

Once she’s settled in my lap, cradling three dolls tight in a hug, I speak. “Miley, sweetie, Papa has something to tell you.”

Her big brown eyes blink twice, and she grins. “A secret, Papa?”

“Sort of,” I tell her, only to keep her excitement alive. Really, there’s going to be nothing secret about it once I let her know. “I have a new friend that I want you to meet. A special friend who is going to be around more.”

“Special friend? For me?”

“For me,” I correct softly. “A special friend for Papa to love and have around a lot. A boyfriend.”

She blinks, digesting the words.

“You know Mr. Leo?”

“Uh huh!” She nods enthusiastically. “Ballet! Mr. Leo. My favorite!”

“That’s right, sweetie.” I let out a breath. “What do you think about Mr. Leo being Papa’s special friend?”

She gasps. “Papa, you love Mr. Leo!?”

I let out a breathy laugh. She would latch on to the love bit before anything else, my smart girl. “I do, sweet pea. How do you feel about that?”

Her whole face lights up, nose scrunching with the force of her smile. “I love Mr. Leo too!” Her little body wiggles, and her fists raise into the air like a cheer, dropping her dolls to the floor. “Is he coming to play with us today!?”

“He is,” I tell her, breathing a sigh of relief. “You’re so smart, guessing that Mr. Leo is the surprise.” Kissing the top of her head, I pull my daughter in for a hug. “We can just call him Leo now, Miley. Can you remember that?”

“Leo!” she cheers in confirmation.

“And you’re okay with Papa loving Leo? With Papa dating Leo?”

“Uh-huh!”

The doorbell chimes, and her eyes go round. “Is that him, Papa?” she whisper-shouts.

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