Page 118 of My Favorite Kidnapper

“No more working every day.” When she began to protest, I shook my head. “I mean it, Little Bee. You’re cutting back. You have great staff, and you can let them run it. Oversee it the way I do the galleries. No more.”

“So bossy.”

“You love it.”

She leaned into me with a yawn. “I do.”

“Let’s take the cake home and have a nap, then celebrate.”

“Is that a euphemism?”

“That’s whatever you want it to be, my wife.” I kissed her. “Thank you.”

She smiled at me, her dark eyes glowing. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

* * *

A YEAR LATER

I stared down into the crib. My daughter slept, a fist in her mouth even as she slumbered. Her dark hair curled on her forehead. Her beautiful eyes were closed, but when open, they were the most stunning combination of Brianna’s chocolate and my golden hue. Almost amber with deep brown flecks. We had watched them change in wonder, amazed when they finished.

I was as obsessed with her as I was with my wife. I had immersed myself in Brianna’s pregnancy, reading books, learning everything I could. But none of it mattered when Melody was born. All that mattered was her and the immense love I had for my daughter.

I now had two women to protect. And I would—endlessly.

Brianna came beside me, slipping her arm around my waist. “How’s our girl?”

“Perfect.”

She laughed softly, trailing a finger down Melody’s cheek.

“Ready to have another one yet?” I asked.

She peered at me, shaking her head.

“We make beautiful babies. I think we should have three really fast. Let them be close.”

“Forget it, old man. I’ve barely recovered from this one. We just started having sex again.”

“Don’t say that word in front of Melody.”

I loved her name. She was my heart’s music. When Brianna had suggested it, it fit her perfectly.

Brianna laughed. “She can’t understand us.”

“She needs a brother.”

“Did she tell you this?”

“In her own unique way, yes.”

“I think you misheard her. Your hearing and all.”

I put my lips to Brianna’s ear. “You trying to rile me up, Little Bee?”

She shivered.