Page 61 of Detective Daddy Next Door

"Congratulations on making partner."

My hearing turns off for a moment, blood pumping loudly in my ears. "What?"

Micha nods. "Yes. You've given your all to this company, and it's only right that you are rewarded. I know you have the firm's best interest at heart, and I need people like you around. You're invaluable."

I hold back tears, happiness encasing my heart. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything. Thank you for all you've done."

"No, thank you, Micha. Thank you so much."

I nod as everyone rises, clapping. Soon, we are filing out of the conference room. Just as I'm about to step out, Fern hurries to my side. We walk into the hallway together and I try to step out of her way, but she stops and touches my arm.

"Congratulations, Bria. You deserve it."

I'm stunned. "Thank you."

She nods and goes ahead toward her office.

This is all so surprising. Then I pause. This is amazing. What I've been wanting for a long time is now in my hands. But this also means that if or when Myles decides to move after his retirement, I won't be able to leave with him.

It's a week until Myles’s retirement. I've been sadder than usual. Quieter, too. When I told him about my promotion, he was happy for me, but he noticed that something was wrong.

"You've been sulking all day. It's a Saturday, you should be happy you have a rest day."

I smile wryly at him as he wraps his arm around me and pulls the sheet over us snugly.

"I've been thinking."

I turn my face toward him. "About what?"

"About my retirement. And about moving."

Moving. I hate hearing that word.

"I've also been thinking a lot about staying."

I flip the sheet off and turn sharply. "What? Staying?"

He nods. "Yeah. It's not going to be easy, but I could sell the house in Denver, and I could use the money to put down on another one here."

"Are you for real? Tell me you're not pulling my leg."

He cackles. "I'm comfortable here. There's no point lying to myself. Houses are more expensive than they used to be, but I'm sure we'll find something nice. Me, you, and Ellie."

"Me and you? You want us to move together to a new house?"

He raises both brows. "I’m used to having you around. Ellie is, too."

"Oh my God!" I exclaim and fling my hands on his chest.

"You want that, don't you?"

"Of course I do. But I'll have to pull my weight if we're buying a house. I won't let you do it alone, so we can have money for Ellie's school and other things."

"I'll call my realtor later in the day, and we can start the process of selling the house. I'm sure we can find a comfortable place here for us and the kids."

"Yes. I'm sure we will. We’ll need a place with a big garden and a wide front yard for the…wait, the kids? What do you mean the kids? There's only Ellie."

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