Page 19 of The Daddy Claus

"Hi," she whispers, looking up at me through her lashes as soon as she opens the door for me. Even dressed in a simple t-shirt and leggings, she's the prettiest little princess I've ever met.

"Are you going to kick my ass if I kiss you, baby girl? Because I'm not going to lie, I've thought about nothing else since I watched you coming all over your hand for me," I drawl, not even hiding my smile when heat blooms in her cheeks.

"You can kiss me."

She doesn't have to tell me twice. I gently pull her into my arms and then tip her backward. She stares up at me with wonder in those big brown eyes.

How the fuck did I miss it for so long? The way she feels is right there in her eyes, shining out for all to see. I should have seen it a long fucking time ago. I should have let myself see it instead of convincing myself that I'd never deserve her.

"I love you," I say, giving her the simplest truth I've ever spoken. Before she has a chance to respond, I claim her lips, kissing off every bit of her cherry lip balm. I don't stop kissing her until she's boneless and pliant in my arms, breathing heavily.

"Wow." She gives me a glossy smile. "What was that for?"

"Letting me in." I press my lips to both cheeks and her forehead. "I know how much it cost you to give me another chance. I won't fuck it up, princess. My only concern in life is you and being the daddy you deserve."

"This is a good start."

"Yeah? You think so?"

She nods.

"Then we better get out of here before I forget our plans and make you remind Daddy how you sound when you're coming for him, princess."

Her blush deepens, her gaze darting around.

"Hey." I draw her focus back to me. "Fuck what anyone else thinks. I'm sure as hell not worried about it, and I won't let you be, either."

We've both spent far too long worried about everyone else. It kept us apart far longer than it ever should have. That's my burden to carry now. That's my cross to bear. I never should have let it continue for as long as I did. But I'm fucking done living without her. And I'm done caring if I'm too old, too fucked up, too unworthy, or any of the other thousand things I convinced myself mattered.

They don't. She matters. And she chose me.

She can shout Daddy from the rooftops and I won't waver. Her happiness is all that matters. It should have been that way for five years now. I can't change the past. But I can make damn sure her future is everything she ever dreamed.

She smiles at me, and I know I've done something right with her for once.

I wait outside while she runs in to get her shit. Five minutes later, we're in her new SUV, with her muttering under her breath about stupid expensive cars.

"We can take it back and pick something you like," I offer.

"I like my car."

"It's falling apart, princess."

"My dad helped me pick it out,” she says quietly.

Well, shit. The minute she graduated high school, her parents sold everything and started traveling the world. They used to visit often, but their trips stateside have become more and more rare over the past few years. They're living their best retired lives with no regard for the daughter who misses them intensely.

It infuriates me, but she adores them. If they intend to see their grandchild, they will be making amends with their daughter first. That isn't open for negotiation.

"I'll make you a deal," I say, pulling out of the parking lot. "If you'll give the SUV a chance, I'll have a mechanic look at the car. We'll see what can be done to save it so you can drive it occasionally."

"I can't afford that."

"You're about to marry a billionaire, baby girl. You could hire someone to build you a car from the ground up every fucking day for the next ten years, and my bank account still wouldn't feel it."

"I don't want your money, Jordan. Maybe I should sign paperwork or something."

"Fuck no," I growl, turning onto Bleaker Street. Our destination is a converted warehouse just up ahead. "You aren't signing a prenup. We don't need one."

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