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“No. It was real. Willa and I videotaped it.” I picked up my phone and showed it to him. “I’ve watched that video at least ten times. At home, in the car, and in the elevator.”
“You okay, man?” His brow arched. “I think you’re in soft-era dad mode.”
“I can’t help it. She’s the love of my life.”
“Willa or Daisy?” he asked.
“Both.” I furrowed my brows. “Don’t tell the board about my soft mode.”
“I won’t, Daddy Blackwood.” A smirk crossed his lips. “I have a meeting to get to. I’ll talk to you later.”
* * *
The numberson my computer screen were blurry, not because of a lack of sleep. On the outside, I was Damien Blackwood, CEO and ruthless negotiator, who just twenty minutes ago, closed a multi-million-dollar deal with an investor. On the inside, I was a mess, missing my two girls.
I minimized the baby cam app on my phone and resized it to the corner of my screen, turning the brightness down so nobody in the office would know I was watching my wife and daughter. I tapped it once to refresh the feed. Willa appeared on the screen, barefoot, wearing one of my hoodies and looking beautiful with the mess of a topknot on her head. She bounced Daisy while singing an off-key rendition ofYou Are My Sunshine. Daisy let out a high-pitched shriek, and her pacifier flew across the room.
“We are one Rice Krispies treat away from a meltdown, young lady,” Willa told her.
I chuckled.
“Dude, are you watching the baby cam?” Charlie asked, stepping into my office.
“She’s in her villain era right now,” I said.
Charlie walked over and looked at the screen. “Is Willa wearing your hoodie?”
“She steals all my clothes, and somehow, it makes me want to marry her all over again.”
“Ha. You are so whipped.” He laughed.
“She’s my wife, Charlie.”
“And you’re supposed to be working and letting Willa survive the day on her own. I know you. One wrong move and you’ll be out of here so fast and head home. Man, you used to be scary, Damien. Now, you’re just?—”
“I still am,” I said, refreshing the app again. “To everyone but my two girls.”
Willa looked directly into the baby cam. “I know you’re watching, you emotional bastard. I hope you’re enjoying your freedom. Bring home a dozen of those Italian chocolate chip cookies from that bakery I love. No, make it two dozen.”
I smiled. “Message received.” I exited out of the app.
I couldn’t wait to get home to my girls. Although the thought was kind of scary because I wasn’t sure what I’d be walking into. The elevator door opened, and I entered the foyer with caution. Silence. No crying. No wailing. Just pure silence.
I stepped into the living room, briefcase in one hand, and the other holding a box of Italian chocolate chip cookies.
“Willa?” I softly called out.
She ran into the living room and placed her hand over my mouth.
“She. Is. Asleep.”
“But the sun is still up,” I murmured through her hand.
“She’s in the bassinet. I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know how long it’ll last. But she’s out cold.”
“I missed you.” I smiled, pressing my lips against hers.
“I missed you, too. I had a meltdown today because I couldn’t open the string cheese.”