Page 106 of Broken Daddy

His lips curve up in a sly smile. “You two make sense. You balance out his grumpiness, and he tones down your attitude.”

I laugh at that because he’s right. We’re just good for each other.

“I know it’s going to take time, but I just want you to know—if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be this happy, Russ.”

I reach out and give him an awkward side hug over the center console. He chuckles and shimmies my arm off. “Yeah, yeah. You are happy?”

It’s a serious question, and I give him a serious answer. “Yes. Very.”

All the tension that’s been lingering since he found out about Nate and I slowly dissipates. His shoulders relax, his face softens, and I don’t feel that edge of panic at keeping a secret anymore.

“Good. That’s all that matters, then.” Russ steps on the gas. “Let’s get you to Germany.”

Epilogue

Genevieve

One Month Later

As I step into the airport, I seriously consider calling Otto right now and telling him I won’t be returning to Frankfurt. Ever.

Almost eight hours on a plane, pregnant and exhausted. At least the nausea finally went away a few weeks ago.

Hefting the little carry-on bag I brought with me, I look up at the signs and head for baggage claim. JFK is as crowded as ever, even on a Tuesday morning.

What a mundane day for something so wonderful—coming home.

“Thank God,” I sigh as I step onto the escalator. The baggage claim comes into view little by little, a crowd of people waiting as the carousel turns.

I would know those shoulders anywhere.

My heart does a little skip, and I take the last few steps of the escalator quickly. A little blond head in the crowd turns.

“Gen!”

Eva runs toward me as her father turns behind her, my luggage in both his large hands. She dodges through a few people and finally crashes into me.

“Oof!”

“Eva, be careful!” Nate’s voice rings out as he strides toward us. His worried gaze finds mine and I smile, reassuring him silently.I’m fine, she didn’t hurt me or the baby.

My pregnancy is now fully visible at nineteen weeks. Nate notices the oversized Van Halen shirt I’m wearing and shakes his head, smiling.

“Didn’t know they made maternity band shirts.”

He drops my bags and sweeps me into a kiss. Right then, my selfish brain is sure of it. I can’t go back. I can’t leavethis.

“I missed you,” he murmurs against my lips as he pulls away. People are staring at the affectionate display, but I don’t care. His hands skim under the hem of my shirt, palms on my belly.

Then he feels it.

His eyes go wide.

“Is that…?”

“Yes.” I laugh. “She’s been kicking a lot lately.”

Eva scoots in excitedly, asking if she can feel, too. When I nod, Nate guides her hand to where the little foot is pressing. She squeals and pulls away, then tentatively reaches out again, totally transfixed.

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