Page 64 of One Filthy Kiss

I smile. “Maybe. Do you like snow?”

“I like building a snowman.”

“How about you build the biggest snowman you’ve ever seen while you’re there and send me a picture.”

“Why aren’t you coming with us?”

Good question.

Because I’m the dickhead who lied to your sister?

Because I have to see this through so that you and Meggie can have the kind of life you both deserve?

In the end, I settle for: “I have to work, cara, and my work is here in the city. But Ric will help you build your snowman.”

She accepts this and slides her hand into mine.

I stand tall as Demi emerges from the guest room wearing faded jeans and a white Ralph Lauren shirt that I bought for Meggie. Her hair is tied back into a loose ponytail, stray curls framing her face, and sunglasses pushed back onto her head. They’re similar height and build, but even so, the clothes fit differently on Demi than they do on Meggie.

Or perhaps I’m biased when it comes to the woman I love.

“Why are you wearing Meggie’s clothes?” Amber leans closer to me and rests her head against my thigh.

This is what we want to avoid. Our dynamics must look as natural as possible when we leave the hotel for this to succeed.

Demi doesn’t miss a beat, and I realize how badly she wants to make a difference within the infamously corrupt NYPD. “My clothes got wet, kiddo. So, your sister very kindly offered to lend me hers. What do you think?” She makes a pretend curtsy in front of us. “Do they suit me?”

Amber shrugs. “You look like Meggie.”

Demi stands next to Meggie, cheek-to-cheek. “Your sister is more beautiful though, huh?”

“You’re beautiful too, Demi.”

The kid melts my heart. This kind of innocence deserves to be preserved. It doesn’t deserve a biological father with the empathy of a fucking slab of granite.

“Love you, kiddo.” Demi ruffles Amber’s hair. “Ready?”

Meggie throws her arms around Amber and hugs her tightly. “Love you, baby girl. Remember to point out all the things we’ve seen on the ferry to Gio. He hasn’t been on the ferry before.”

“I will.”

“And hold Demi’s hand when you’re walking to the car, okay?”

“Okay.” Her bottom lip quivers. “Meggie…?”

“Yes, sweetie.”

“What about Bella? Why can’t she come on vacation with us?”

Meggie swallows, her eyes brimming with tears, and I take over.

“How about, when Bella is ready to come and live with us, I bring her up to the cabin to see you?”

Meggie sniffs loudly. Demi squeezes Amber’s hand.

“Okay.” Amber raises huge eyes my way. “Don’t forget to bring her bed.”

“I won’t.”