Page 245 of Broken Daddy

“And you never have to find out, because you’re stuck with me forever.”

That sounded like a perfect kind of forever to her.

As they droveup to their cabin a few days after the exhibition, surprise filled her as she saw Jed up a ladder trying to attach a banner. She caught a few words on it. Congratulations Devi!

There were bright streamers and balloons attached to the wooden posts supporting the porch roof.

Daisy turned with her mouth dropping open. “Oh no!”

Hayes got out and then moved around to help her get down.

“Oh no! Oh no! you’re early!” Daisy cried. “They’re early, Jed!”

Jed grunted.

“We haven’t got the banner up yet and I have these!” She drew something out of a bag by her feet. But as she held up the long cylinder-like object, it exploded and glitter flew into Hayes’ face, covering him.

Devi couldn’t stop herself. Giggles erupted out of her. She bent over, her arm over her stomach as she laughed and laughed.

When she stood up, she expected Hayes to look irritated or impatient. To her surprise, he was smiling.

He drew her against him, holding her tight.

“Are you okay?” she asked him.

“Never better, baby. You’ve found your sunshine. And I’m going to make sure you never lose it again.”

“I won’t as long as I have you.”

“Then it’s guaranteed.”

EPILOGUE

Six months later . . .

Devi stoodbeside Hayes and stared at the cabin. It was completely isolated, settled into a beautiful spot.

It looked to be in really good shape considering no one lived here. Although he’d told her that he had someone keep up the maintenance and air it out every so often.

Hayes was tense beside her and she wasn’t certain if she should touch him or back off.

Finally, she slid her hand into his. If he rejected her, then she wouldn’t take it to heart. She knew how hard this was on him. But he latched onto her hand and held on tight.

“Are you all right?” She winced after asking that. Of course he wasn’t all right.

This had been his and May’s special place together.

Her favorite place.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do,” he told her. “It’s time.”

He led her up the steps of the cabin and inside. The cabin was gorgeous with a view out to the lake. She could see why May had loved it so much. Devi followed him around as he walked silently through.

It felt odd being here, walking through the main bedroom where they’d slept together, through the playroom which had been hers. Surprisingly, it was almost princess themed and from the things she’d learned of May she hadn’t thought that would be her vibe.

There were a few pictures of them together on the wall in the main room. She paused to look at them. May had short red hair and a sprinkling off freckles.