Page 281 of Second Sets Omnibus

“Put us out of our misery,” Asher quips with a snort, wiping away the uncomfortable look.

Every so often, I see defeat in his eyes. He’s still beating himself up every chance he gets. Even in River’s presence, he takes a backseat, offering to care for Ly if we want to go out. Asher did a shitty ass thing when he ripped us apart. But I don’t want it to define him anymore.

River forgave him and us. There’s no need to keep rehashing what he did. It’d be different if he didn’t feel remorse. But he does. He feels it with every step he takes. So, he’s off the hook for now.

“East Point Amusement Park.” Rad holds his hands out in front of him with a grin. “Huh? What do you think?” His brows waggle with excitement as he looks around the room at our stunned expressions.

I blink several times. “You mean the place off the highway with all the rollercoasters and stuff?”

“Yeah! That’s the place.” He physically lights up, jumping from his seat to pace the room.

“Why that place?”

East Point Amusement Park is larger than life. Filled to the brim with rollercoasters, arcade games, kiddie rides, special sections, and so much more.

Rad swivels in my direction with a grin. “Because our little girl likes unicorns, and that’s the birthplace of her favorite ice cream. Believe me! I researched all night long, looking for the perfect place. Just imagine our baby girl on the unicorn ride holding an ice cream cone and laughing. They even have a wholeunicorn adventure inside the park, with kiddie rides, unicorn games, and that damn ice cream. The owner said we could buy out the whole park for a day. Her birthday is next Saturday.” He wiggles his brows again, waiting for our excitement to kick up.

“Can confirm. I’m pretty sure he kept River up all night long with his search,” Callum says with a groan, finishing off his coffee.

“Well, would you look at that? He does come up with some good ideas,” I snark, chuckling when he flips me off.

Poor bastard. He’s not sleeping well again. And I know damn well the cause of his ache and the balm to his restlessness—our girl. But apparently, he was with them last night after Cal took Ly to the reading.

“See! I told you! You fuckers didn’t believe me.” He rolls his eyes in disbelief, shaking his head. “Even my Pretty Girl agrees it’s a good idea.”

“Book it,” I say with a nod. “It can be a big surprise party. We can invite Ly’s friends and family.”

Excitement thrums through my veins at the prospect of surprising my baby girl with a unicorn-themed party, her favorite ice cream, and plenty of presents. The need to spoil the hell out of my mini-me has me thumbing through my phone on the hunt for the perfect birthday present.

The ultimate unicorn stuffed animal with sparkles and a horn. I grin when it has the option for a voice message. All you have to do is press its hoof, and your voice will come through. And sold.

I furrow my brows when a loud thump comes from the front door, echoing through the house.

“The hell?”

We all look at each other when the sound thumps again, followed by a little voice calling out to her daddies.

My fucking heart drops. Flashbacks of the first time I laid my eyes on Lyric flash through my mind. Her frantic cries. The tears I couldn’t wipe away fast enough. Shit.

“River better not be dead again,” Rad hisses, running toward the door as we all follow behind with our hearts in our throats.

I grunt when Asher slams into my back as we huddle around the door. Nerves shake my fingers when Rad throws it open, staring down at our little girl.

“Daddies,” she says with a big grin, clutching two white bunnies to her chest.

“Little Blue,” I say, kneeling down in front of her. “What’s wrong?” I frantically check her over, noting the backpack glued to her backside. She smiles so damn wide it’s almost blinding.

“Nuffin. I’m staying here tonight. We’re having a sleepover! With lots of cotton candy,” she says with a shrug, casually pushing me out of the way with her tiny hand. I don’t fall on my ass when she shoves by, but I think I could have.

“What the hell?” Rad asks with his eyes glued to the little girl strolling into our house with nothing but a smile, her backpack, and her two stuffed bunnies.

“She wanted a sleepover,” River says out of nowhere.

“A sleepover?” Callum blanches.

“Yeah. Good luck!” River says, waving a hand as she turns to leave.

“Whoa! Pretty Girl!” Rad grunts, rushing after her with determination. “What’s happening right now?” he asks, clutching her shoulders and stopping her retreat.