Page 14 of Mercenary Daddy’s Girl (Daddy’s Girl #9)
GEMMA
One Year Later
B irds chirp their last song before night falls, and somewhere among it, I can hear Mom shouting at Ernesto for planting the wrong roses next to her petunias. An orange sun hangs heavy in the sky as the first sizzle of meat on the barbecue stirs the tender bundle of warmth resting in my arms.
Someone pinch me because I still can’t believe it.
A year ago, I thought my life was destined for failure. Working long hours to skate by while time kept its constant march.
One night of working late changed everything. It opened my eyes to what life could be rather than staying trapped in the motions.
And it’s all thanks to him. My muscle-bound warrior, standing shirtless at the grill. Prodding and flipping steaks, leaving me to tend and cherish our beautiful baby girl.
“And how are my two favorite ladies doing this evening?” Ghost asks from the grill .
Though he dropped the mask and moniker a few days after we left the safe house, I’ve never found the transition to Hank easy. He’ll always be my shadowy protector, my Ghost.
“Breezy like a Sunday morning.” I set him up for a punchline joke we’ve been repeating for months.
“I’m so happy to hear it.” My giant throws the steaks into a warming tray and walks over to me. “But it’s a Tuesday. And night time.”
He drops to his haunches next to me and Aberdeen, lifting a hand that’s bigger than her entire body over her head. She lights up when she sees him, exploring new sounds to join the conversation, but getting stuck at gah-gah .
Still, it’s the thought that counts as her tiny, dainty fingers latch onto her father’s enormous digits.
“No, no, no.” Lost in love and awe of my gentle giant being so cautious with our child, I didn’t even notice Mom coming over to us.
“Can one of you please explain why white roses can’t go next to pink and yellow petunias?
” She mutters something under her breath. “It’s color theory. Plain and simple.”
Along with being the perfect husband and father, it was Ghost’s decision to have Mom live with us. It’s in her own place in the backyard, with a full-time helper to give her all the care and attention she needs.
One of the many reasons I’ve fallen so deeply in love with him. She doesn’t stick around long, storming into our home, with Ernesto following like a lost pup.
“Think Ernesto’s got the stomach to stick around longer than the last one?” Ghost chuckles, his eyes following them inside.
“I hope so, but who knows? Mom’s hard on her helpers.” I chuckle, and Aberdeen tries to join in, but doesn’t get much further than a cooing hum .
“Well, we’ll keep trying until the shoe fits.” He leans in and gives Aberdeen a kiss before turning his attention to me. Though just as tender, our kiss is longer, with a teasing of tongues mixed in.
“You know I love you, right?” I say, once our lips part.
And though I say it a thousand times a day, it never feels like enough. He’s too good to me, too perfect in everything he does, for three simple words to express.
But just like the first time we whispered this secret vow to each other, Ghost’s face softens. His eyes turn warm, and if he could blush, he would.
“And I love you, my little Gem. So fucking—” His eyes snap down to Aberdeen. “Freaking much.”