Page 27 of Mercenary Daddy's Girl

“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 atgah-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. “Freakingmuch.”

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

GHOST

Four Years Later

The stars are out, but I’m not looking at them. Not really.

All I can see, all I care to see, is my family. My beautiful wife, the love of my life, cradling our daughter to her swollen belly. Number two is on the way. Well, two and three, twins, but who’s counting?

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. The more the merrier when it comes to this family.

“Hey, Daddy.” Gemma’s talking, speaking with lighthearted playfulness around our daughter. But using the word that still shifts my gears from loving family man to a lust-driven demon just from hearing it. “Where’d you wander off to?”

“Just thinking.” I reach for a glass of whiskey on the table next to me. Aberdeen mimics my actions, though her drink of choice is apple juice.

I once told her, “It’s the same color, which has to mean it’s the same drink, right?” Too smart for her age, my daughter didn’t buy that line of reasoning. Wanting a sip of ‘Daddy’s drink.’

“That’s not how conversations go, you know?” Momma-bear raises a brow, and I chuckle.

“Yeah, but soft and gushy isn’t my style.” I sip. Aberdeen sips. Her ever-watchful gaze never breaks off me. Staring intently. Studying my actions and movements. Trying to learn and understand the internal workings of a giant like me.

Fuck, I love this family.

“Well, maybe it ought to be,” Gemma says with a hmph. “Let us in.”

“Let us in,” Aberdeen parrots.

“Fine.” But accepting and doing are two very different mountains to climb. I take another swig, this time to steel my mind for what comes next. “I never thought I’d have this. You. Aberdeen. A home that isn’t built on a foundation of bloo?—”

I cut myself off to keep my past far away from my daughter’s mind.

“It’s hard to believe, harder to accept. And I love every second of it.”

Gemma beams. A vibrant bundle of joy and delight I opened my heart to her. She reaches a hand out and rests it on my arm, Aberdeen doing the same, only on my wrist.

“There, was that so hard?” Her voice flickers close to tears.

“Yes,” I joke, trying to shake the feeling taking hold of me. “Very much so. But for you, my love, it’s worth it.”

The End