Page 124 of Power Play Daddies

His voice is softer than I’ve ever heard it. “You did good, Daisy,” he says. “I’m proud of you.”

I can’t believe he’s saying that, after everything. After all the shit we’ve been through. I didn’t think he’d be proud of me.

But here he is, looking at me with something close to admiration in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice small. “I’m sorry I lied. I didn’t mean to…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Uncle Ace says, shaking his head. “What’s done is done. We’ll deal with the rest later. Right now, we’ve got two little guys to look after.”

I nod, unable to say anything else. I’m exhausted. Overwhelmed. But my heart is full in a way I didn’t know was possible.

I have my boys now. And no matter what happens next, I’ll protect them. I’ll do whatever it takes.

And I’ll have the men I love right beside me, even if the world doesn’t understand, even if I lose my job, even if the boys are benched.

Chosen family sticks together. And right now, that’s the only thing keeping me going.

CHAPTER FORTY

Mason

ONE MONTH LATER

It’s beena few days since we brought the twins home, and Daisy’s finally starting to feel like herself again. I’m sitting on the couch, holding our son, Cole, in my arms.

His little face is scrunched up, all sleepy and content, but when his gaze meets mine, it’s Daisy’s eyes watching me. They’re wide and curious, always looking around, taking everything in. It makes my heart ache in the best way.

Daisy’s across from me in the armchair, nursing Noah, our second son. He’s a little bigger than Cole, with slightly chubbier cheeks.

I watch as he tugs at her nipple, content, while Daisy runs her fingers through his hair. It’s a beautiful sight—her looking so peaceful, so full of life, even though we’re all still adjusting to this new chapter.

She pulls away from him gently, glancing up at me with a soft smile. “Mason,” she says, her voice almost too quiet, “did you talk to your mom about the, uh, you know?”

I nod. “Yeah, I did. She suggested we try cabbage leaves to help with the nipple soreness. Says that’ll soothe ’em since the little guys keep tugging so much.”

Daisy’s eyes widen for a second, and then she chuckles softly. “Cabbage leaves?” She shakes her head with a smile. “I guess I’ll give it a try.”

“Yeah, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.” I grin at her, trying to lighten the mood. “She swears by it. You know how she is.”

Daisy laughs, and the sound is like music to my ears. “Thanks for asking her,” she says, her voice full of gratitude. “I appreciate it. I’m sure it’ll help.”

I give her a smile, looking down at Cole in my arms. “Of course, baby.”

Her eyes are shining. “When she comes into town, we should all go out for dinner. I’d love to get to know her more, especially with everything that’s happened.”

My chest tightens at the idea of mending things with my mom. It’s been a long road, but we’re getting there.

“Yeah, I’ll make sure we do that,” I say softly. “I think it’d be good for everyone.”

Just then, Beau and Kieran come in. Beau leans over, brushing a strand of hair from her face and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

“How’s my girl doing?” he asks, his voice low and warm.

Daisy looks up at him. “I’m all right, just a little sore,” she admits. “But I’ll be fine.”

Kieran looks at her with a soft smile. “I set up everything for the interview. We’re ready when you are.”

Beau glances down at Daisy. “You good to go?”