Page 70 of Eleven of a Kind

“Your very first gift from your daughter. I think someone is emotional right now.” Piper smiled. “She did a beautiful job.” She brought her hand up and stroked the back of my neck.

“She certainly did. I can’t believe she made this for me.”

“Why? You’re her father. She loves you.”

Riley came back down, and we sat at the table and ate dinner together. My heart felt full as I stared at my daughter and Piper. If this was a glimpse of my future, I was all in.

As we were cleaning up the dishes, the sliding door opened, and Sam and Stefan walked in.

“Hey, Piper.” Sam smiled.

“Hey, Sam. Stefan. How is Elijah doing?” Piper asked.

“He’s great.” Sam smiled.

“Is this a bad time?” Stefan asked.

“Not at all.” I grinned. “Riley, go have a seat at the table.”

“Why?” Her brows furrowed.

“Sam and Stefan want to show you something.”

“Okay.” She walked over to the table and sat down.

Sam opened the file folder he held in his hand, took out the design, and set it in front of Riley.

“That’s cool. What is it?” Riley looked up at me.

“It’s a pottery studio we’re going to build for you in the back by the pool.”

“Stop it!” I could see the tears in her eyes. “You are not.”

“Yeah, Riley, your dad is.” Sam smiled.

She placed her hands over her mouth and stared down at the design.

“Oh my God, Dad!” She jumped up from her chair and hugged me. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.” I hugged her tight.

“I can’t believe this. Piper, did you know about this?” Riley asked.

“No. I didn’t.” She smiled.

“Come with us,” Stefan said as he hooked his arm around Riley. “We’ll show you where it’s going to go.”

“And we need you to approve the design,” Sam said. “If there’s anything you want to change, let me know. Or if there’s anything you want to add.”

They walked out the sliding door, and Piper took hold of my hand.

“You have made her one happy girl.” She smiled. “That was an excellent idea, Dr. Kind.”

“It’ll keep her busy and out of trouble.” I smirked.

CHAPTER25

Piper