Page 38 of Their Perfect Daddy

SKYE

N erves race through me as I go over my plan once more. While I have no doubt my boys will support me in this new endeavor, I still have concerns. I never want them to think I’m not invested in our future. That’s the farthest thing from the truth.

In reality, this will help us tremendously. It will give me back more time, as well as creating a sense of accomplishment I’ve been missing.

“Daddy!” My princess shouts from somewhere in the house.

I smile, calling out, “In the library.”

There’s silence for a moment and then I hear feet stomping down the hall. There’s also the distinct echo of wheels. Before I get the chance to wonder what it could be, I’m given the answer as Monty comes into view seated in a computer chair Danny is pushing.

“What do we have here?”

Monty raises his hands in the air. “We’ve got a ride, Daddy.”

“A ride, huh? And who came up with this clever idea?” I stand from my spot in the wingback chair. Slowly, I make my way to the smiling boys.

They’re obviously proud of their innovative thoughts. I have to say I am too. Since Monty isn't able to run around still, this gives them the ability to keep up with one another without risking his healing.

“It was my idea,” Danny answers. “I wanted to play but didn’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“And I agreed it was smart. The crutches still hurt.” Monty tucks his hands under his arms defensively.

I fight not to smile at how petulant he’s being. Then again, I understand the frustration crutches tend to create. They're often a pain to deal with. Without extra padding, it's easy to bruise and become tender.

“Well I’m glad you thought of it. Why don’t you both come sit with me? I want to talk to you about something important.”

The boys share a look before Danny slowly pushes Monty towards the couch. I move back to my chair, which puts me in a position across from them.

I take a deep breath in. On my exhale, my brat clears his throat.

“Yes, Monty?”

“Are we in trouble or something? I think we’re in trouble.”

“You’re not in trouble. This is about me. Or rather, it’s about us and a decision I want to make. It affects me the most, with you two being a close second.”

Danny raises his brows. “Is this a riddle?”

“It’s not a riddle, Princess. I’m sorry to be so vague.

Let me start again.” After taking another deep breath, I decide to simply go for it.

“As you both know, I’ve been a surgeon for a number of years now.

I have seniority in my hospital and privileges at a few others.

When I started my channel online, it was merely a way to blow off steam.

I had no clue it would become as big as it has. ”

The two of them stare intently at me. They're hanging on to every word, listening closely for what the point of this all is.

“As soon as the channel monetized, I decided how to split the funds up to give back to the community around me. Since we’re basically living together, I feel as if I need to do more here.

Which is why, after lots of thought, I would like to talk about me moving to pro bono services only.

It would mean I’d have less to contribute to our family fund; however, I’d have the opportunity to help those who don’t have the means. ”

Neither boy says a word at first. It’s as if they’re stunned by what I suggested.

While we hadn’t had the talk about us living together past Monty’s healing, none of us ever speak about leaving. It’s as if the minute we all came together, the decision was made to never part. Aside from the few trips to get some of our things, we spend most of our time in this house.

It doesn’t matter if the deed is in Monty’s name. This place is ours. He assures us as much with his actions.

“I know it’s a big change. I figured with three incomes in one home, we might be able to swing it.

Plus, by doing this, I would free up my schedule more.

They could hire another surgeon at a lesser rate to take my place full time.

Then I would only work on the cases I accept rather than the ones my director hands down. ”

Monty raises his hand. I smile as I nod for him to speak.

“Why did you make it seem bad? I really thought something terrible had happened.”

“That wasn’t my intention,” I reply with a frown. “It seemed important we speak about it before I made any final decisions. I’ve been nervous on how to bring it all up.”

Danny stands from his seat and scurries to me. Without asking, he drops into my lap. Meanwhile, Monty uses his good leg to scoot closer.

“Daddy, we don’t care how much you make. If you didn’t do anything at all, then we’d still be fine. You know this right?” Danny’s soft voice is a soothing balm against my skin.

I revel in how comforting it feels. To have their support — to know their love — is an amazing gift. Anyone else might be devastated I want to lose such an income. These two are looking at me as if I’m a fool for not simply going ahead with the plan.

Clearing my throat, I force myself to speak without choking up. “Thank you for helping me realize it’s all ok. I guess I forgot how perfect you two are for me.”

“You damn sure did,” Monty grumbles as he reaches for my hand.

I lace our fingers together, then bring them to my lips so I can kiss his knuckles. Once I’ve done so, I turn to Danny and kiss his cheek.

“Tomorrow I’ll let the head of surgery know I want to make the switch. It won’t be a sudden thing since I do have a few surgeries I need to be part of first. We can still start the transition of going through cases to get me connected with the people who need my help.”

Monty smiles brightly. “You’re the best, Daddy. First you fix me up, and now you want to go save the world.”

“I’m not saving the world. Just helping out a few people.”

“You’re wrong,” Danny interjects. “This is definitely superhero stuff.”

“Ohhhh. Does this mean we get to put Daddy in some spandex? I would so be down for this.”

As my boys dissolve into a fit of giggles, I can’t help but smile at their antics. I’m far luckier than I understood. They don’t care about my money or what I can bring to this relationship. My boys want me for who I am as a person.

I knock on the slightly ajar door before pushing it open. “Do you have a moment, Herman?”

My boss’s eyes meet mine, and he smiles. He waves his hand for me to join him.

“Good morning, Dr. Gellar. How are you today?”

“I’ve told you a million times to call me Skye. If I get to call you Herman, then you should do the same.”

He grins and shakes his head. “My apologies. It’s a hard habit to break, even for someone who others might consider in a superior role.”

“Understood,” I reply with a nod. “I want to discuss an idea with you if you have a few minutes to spare. I promise it won’t be long.”

Herman closes the laptop and steeples his fingers. The move is further proof as to why he’s such an amazing head of surgery. As someone who has been ignored in favor of someone trying to multitask, his desire to fully engage with me is reassuring.

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“I’m not sure how you’ll feel about this, but I think it'll be an all-around good decision for us.” I take a moment to remind myself this is the right thing to do.

“For many years now, I’ve worked with clients you’ve suggested to me.

Almost all of those cases have been people who need my general expertise after having been approved by their insurance.

But there are many more who don’t get those approvals, or worse, have no type of coverage at all.

I propose moving to pro bono work only. This would free up my role for you to bring on another full-time surgeon. ”

After finishing my spiel, I lean back in my chair to await his reply. Shock moves through me when he gives me an epic grin. I’m even more surprised as his eyes water and tears begin pouring across his cheeks.

“Skye…” his voice breaks.

“Herman? Are you alright? I’m sorry if I’ve upset you —”

His hand comes up to halt my apology. “There isn’t anything for you to be sorry about, Skye. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your decision.”

“Gratitude?” I ask, now quite sure I follow.

“Yes, gratitude. While you see several of the cases coming through the door, there are loads more I’ve had to turn away because we simply can’t help them. Sometimes they’re cosmetic, and other times it’s a matter of life and death.”

I nod, understanding filling me at his words. “And now you won’t have to send them to another hospital.”

“Exactly. I can’t tell you how much it’s haunted me through the years to know there might be people who haven’t gotten the care they needed because my hands were tied with red tape.”

“It’s not your fault. We don’t always get to make the fair call.”

His smile grows. “We do now. You’re going to be even more of a celebrity after this. Think you can handle the attention?”

“I’m not worried. My boyfriends are far too possessive to share me with anyone else.”

“Boyfriends? I’d heard something but thought it was merely a rumor. Congrats to you then. And if they’re part of the change, I’ll need to be sure to send them gift baskets of some sort to show my appreciation. What do they like?”

My brain immediately goes to lingerie and video games. While both would make my boys happy, I don’t think it'd be appropriate for me to share this with Herman.

“No need to send thanks. They were merely speeding up the eventual goal. I’ll share your thanks if you’d like.”

“Yes, please. And I’d love to meet them when you get the chance. Maybe we can do dinner or something?”

Smiling, I agree to the plan. We go over a few more minor details, then I leave him in his office.

There is lots for him to work on now since I’m changing positions.

He’ll have to do interviews, coordinate new clients for my pro-bono work, and contact the admin team to let them know what shifts will take place.

Despite it being a ton of work on his end, I have no doubt he’s elated at the chance to do it all. I have no clue how he’s been dealing with sending patients away. I wouldn’t have been able to handle the worry if I were in his shoes. I suspect it’s the Daddy side of me who feels this way.