“Missed you, too, Dad,” she said, seeming guarded.
“Didn’t your mom text you and tell you I planned on picking you up this afternoon?” he asked as they walked to the truck, holding the door open for her.
Melody shrugged and took the flowers from him. “Thank you. She did, but you’ve forgotten before. I didn’t want to get disappointed when I got a text saying Aunt Kassie or one of the uncles waited for me instead.”
Frowning, Leo slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at his daughter. She no longer wore pigtails. The little girl beside him grew up and now wore her hair swept to one side with a barrette. When did it happen?
“How about a side stop at the ice cream place? I’m in the mood for chocolate chip today,” he asked as he turned toward town.
“It’s all right. I’ll have a snack at the daycare. Avie’s helping me with my math. I have a test in two days, and fractions are kicking my butt. She always knows how to explain it.”
“How about letting your old dad help you? We can get some ice cream and then crack open your books. I’ll be spinning up and may not get to spend time with you for a bit,” he explained as he pulled in front of the ice cream shop.
Melody glanced out of the window. “Even when you’re here, you don’t spend time with me anymore. Emma and LJ’s parents came to the spelling bee and saw me win my first medal. You didn’t even ask to see it.”
Leo ran his hand down his face, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry I let you down, June Bug. Running a business takes a lot of work, and sometimes I can’t miss a meeting.”
“LJ’s mom owns a business, and Aunt Kassie and Uncle Chase own a huge hospital, and they showed up,” she informed him. “You’re not even home at bedtime. Mama got sick, and when I went to get you, the babies started crying, and Mamacouldn’t get them. You were gone. I called Gran Carol, and she helped us.”
Hearing the disappointment in her voice, he tugged a strand of hair. “I’m sorry I let you down. I’m starting a new team and working with K-9’s. It’s got me sidetracked. Don’t ever think I’m not there because I don’t care or I don’t love you, June Bug. Your mom, you, and your siblings mean the world to me.”
“Mama told me. She said not to feel mad at you because you save lots of people around the world,” Melody said quietly. “But she’s sick all the time, and I can’t ever find you.”
Sighing, Leo unbuckled her and pulled her close. “I promise, I’ll do better. In fact, Gran Carol, and Gramps Jake plan to watch you while I take your mom out for a nice dinner and a surprise.”
“Really?” she asked as her eyes widened in excitement.
“Yup. Sometimes my job requires me to work at night, but I’ll be home more after tonight,” he told her hopefully.
“Let’s get some ice cream. Aunt Avie will show me later,” she said, beaming and reaching for the latch. “I’m getting blue raspberry and bubble gum frozen yogurt.”
“Yuuuck,” he said, sticking out his tongue and making gagging sounds.
Melody giggled, and the tightness in his chest lessened. He watched as she went up to the counter, placed her order, and turned to him, waiting for him. He swiped his card and they took a seat. She babbled about her best friends and how Mr. Harold wore a toupee, and it fell off during class. Leo stared at the miniature version of his wife and hoped he could change her mind as easily as a bowl of ice cream and a promise to do better.
When they finished, he took her to the hospital daycare and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight,” he promised.
Throwing her arms around his neck, June Bug squeezed him tightly. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, June Bug,” he whispered in her ear, as her words melted his heart.
Returning to the facility, he set his alarm for 1630. It gave him fifteen minutes to shut everything down and pick up Kit Kat for their dinner and a special night together. Maybe if he got her to relax, they might be able to hold a conversation about the elephant in the room, or rather her stomach. Guilt gnawed at him, and he pushed it aside to get his work completed for the day.
Several phone calls later, he made a pile of things he needed from Whiskey and a secondary order list for Stormy. Feeling good about the progress he made, he glanced at his watch, seeing he finished with fifteen minutes to spare.
Pulling out the case file concerning Cole’s boss, he reviewed the new material Bear uncovered. It appeared they’d leave within a month or sooner. His contact didn’t want the team to arrive until they scheduled another supply shipment.
He made notes on what to discuss with the men and planned on welcoming Liam to the team. Doc sent him a message earlier saying he released his newest hire today. His watch buzzed, letting him know he needed to pick up Kit Kat in fifteen minutes. Leo went to his bathroom and brushed his teeth. After eating an Italian sub for lunch, he didn’t want any strong scents which might trigger his wife’s morning sickness. He grabbed his jacket, checked his pockets for his keys, and his office phone rang.
“Leo Armstrong speaking,” he answered.
“Hello, Mr. Armstrong. Please hold the line for the President of the United States.”
Leo gulped. The president?
“Hello, Leo. How are you doing?”
“I…ugh…I’m fine, Mr. President,” he stuttered, not believing his ears.
