Page 118 of Better Daddy

Brian sets the other tray down and then rubs his now empty hands together. “Now give me the little girl.”

“Ya know,” Cal says swallowing his blue sugar rush. “I think we need to schedule a session with Madame E.”

I send him a side eye.

“No really.” He lowers his voice. “Look at that guy. He’s totally ready for a new shirt. Maybe he can betied for second best daddy.”

Even as I shake my head, I can’t deny as I watch my best friend coo down at my daughter that I see what Cal means. Brian might not realize how ready he is for his own happily ever after, but it’s obvious to the rest of us.

“I think we can make it happen,” Cal sings.

I glare at him. “Butt out.”

Cal laughs and shakes his head. He’s totally not going to listen.

Our women glance over, wondering what Cal and I are arguing about. Meanwhile, Brian ignores us completely and the boys play quietly in the corner. I smile, loving this moment with our little family. It might not always be perfect, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Chapter 44

Sloane

“Aw, love. Don’t cry.”

I blink away the sleep from my eyes and take in the scene before me. God, this man is delicious. My husband is shirtless as he bounces around our tiny bedroom with the most beautiful little girl in his arms. Our daughter.

It’s been a week since Tia entered our lives. Since then, Sully has handled every diaper, including a few blowouts, talking our little one through them with the gentlest tone.

Calling herloveeach and every time.

God, do I love him.

And our three best friends have been keeping T.J. occupied so he doesn’t feel like he’s being held captive in this room with us.

Terrance Murphy might have been on to something when he created that trust.

Tia lets out one of those cries that is too adorable not to smile over. Unfortunately, the sound triggers my boobs to swell, and a moment later, moisture leaks from them. “Bring her to me,” I say, taking Sully by surprise.

“Morning, sweetheart. I was hoping you could get a few more minutes of sleep, but I think she’s too hungry to wait.”

I laugh lightly. “I got that.”

Sully settles on the bed beside me and helps me adjust Tia. As soon as she gets comfortable, she latches on and quiets down quickly. The girl loves to eat.

Sully presses a kiss to my shoulder. “Did you get any sleep?”

I catalog the precious details of our gorgeous girl like I do every time she’s in my arms. She’s got a head of dark hair and creamy skin, with big blue eyes that are just like mine. Her nostrils are heart-shaped, which might be one of her most adorable attributes. Or maybe it’s her little toes, which she curls up and twists when she gets hungry. Or her teeny, tiny hands that ball into fists.

I can’t stop staring at her.

I bring my nose to her head and inhale, soaking up that newborn scent. If only someone could figure out how to bottle it, the world would be a happier place.

“I got a few hours,” I tell him.

Sully’s good about waking up with me when Tia cries, but he often dozes while I feed her, so I try to let him sleep until she cries again.

He’s been involved in every moment for the last week, determined to prove to me that this isn’t just a phase. He’s a better daddy this time around. A better partner. And he’s intent on staying that way.

“T.J. was asking if we could take him to the park today,” Sully says, his eyes full of uncertainty.