Page 37 of His Playground (Owning Vegas #2)

Two weeks later

I wake up to little hands brushing the hair away from my face. “Antonia, it’s my first day of school,” Jazzy’s sweet little voice whispers into my ear.

I snake my arms up and around her, pulling her into me for a hug. “It sure is, sweetheart.”

“Daddy’s making special pancakes,” she says.

“What’s in a special pancake?” I ask her, pushing myself upright in bed.

“I don’t know.” Jazzy shrugs. “Can you do my hair? Daddy tried but it’s not very good,” she whispers to me like she’s worried he might hear.

My gaze drops to the lopsided ponytail that looks like it’s already losing its scrunchie. “I can. What kind of style are we going for?”

“Um, can you do two ponytails?” she asks.

“Sure can. Let’s go to your bathroom. We’ll add some glitter spray too,” I tell her.

“Yes!” Jazzy jumps up and runs.

After I’ve fixed her hair into two ponytails and sprayed some glitter hairspray on top, Jazzy looks at herself in the mirror. “Do you think the other kids will like it?”

“I’m more interested if you like it?” I counter.

“I do.”

“Then that’s all that matters. You don’t ever need to do anything because you think others will like it. Just be yourself, sweetheart, and the right people will love you for who you are,” I tell her.

“Okay.” Jazzy nods. “I think my mama would like these ponytails.”

“Yeah, did she used to do your hair like this?” I want her to feel comfortable talking about her mother with me.

“She did when she wasn’t too tired,” Jazzy says.

“Amazing. She was a good mama.” I smile. “How about we go visit her after school and you can tell her all about your first day?”

“Really? I think that would be nice.” Jazzy climbs down from the chair. “Let’s go get the special pancakes,” she says, running out of the bathroom this time.

I follow her into the kitchen. And the moment I step inside, I’m swept up into my husband’s arms. My husband. It’s still a little odd saying it, but I like it. More and more every day.

“Morning,” Carlo greets me, peppering my face with kisses.

I laugh while trying to pry him off me. “Morning. You’re in a cheery mood.”

“What’s not to be cheery about? I have the world’s best girls in my kitchen.” He winks at Jazzy, who giggles in return.

“I hear there’re some special pancakes on offer?”

“Sit down. I’ve got your coffee ready. The pancakes are just about done,” he instructs, pointing to a stool.