Page 25 of Mechanic Daddy's Girl

The look shifts fast as Dr. Aaron Young steps in behind him. The awe and excitement are still there, but buried now, behind the familiar steel in his eyes. Possessive. Protective.

I can’t help but laugh, and the soft coo rouses the bundle in my arms.

That’s your daddy. Our daddy. A hulking protector who won’t even let a doctor do his job without reverting to our cross-armed bodyguard.

Dr. Aaron says something about how the operation went, but neither of us pays it any attention. I focus on Boone, where his attention can’t break away from our daughter.

“Got it,” Boone mutters, barely acknowledging the doctor.

I can’t explain it. Haven’t been able to in the two years we’ve been married. But seeing Boone bare his teeth at anyone who looks at me still drives me crazy. Not even the man who helped bring our daughter into this world is safe.

And I love it.

“I’ll leave you two.” Realizing how out of place he is, Dr. Aaron shuffles out the door.

Boone comes over and kneels at my side to kiss me hello. He raises an enormous hand to our daughter, gently touching her soft, smooth cheek, eyes finally softening now that we’re alone.

“She’s beautiful,” he whispers, almost imperceptible. “Just like her momma.”

“Don’t cut yourself short, handsome.” I giggle, with eyes glued to his hand, almost the same size as our daughter, being so delicate. Barely touching her as if afraid she might break fromsomething as simple as a brush. “You’re half the reason she’s here.”

“I had the easy part.” His eyes meet mine, softening by the second. “You went through nine months of hell.”

“It was so worth it.” And I’d do it again. Probably will, knowing how badly Boone wants a big, happy family.

I rest my cheek against Boone’s chest, and he slides an arm around me. The other moves around our daughter.

And it’s here, I realize that life can’t get better than this. My husband at my side, my daughter in my arms, and a future that’s bright and brimming with hope.

“Hey,” I whisper to not disturb the peace.

“Yes, my love?” Boone strokes my hair, lifting his gaze away from our child slowly.

“I love you.” The threat of joyful tears almost chokes my words. “So fucking much.”

“I love you too, princess.” He replaces his hand with a kiss on my brow and pulls away with a playful grin I’ll never get enough of. “Or should I say, princesses.”

The End