Page 116 of Holden’s Resurrection

“No, I don’t like the idea. Unless of course, you want our daughter’s classmates to think you’re Rambo.”

Holden took a moment to consider her question.

“I see you like that idea.”

“I do,” he admitted.

“Who’s Rambo?”

“Who’s Rambo?” Holden mock gasped. “Only the best action hero of all-time.”

“Never heard of him.”

“Charleigh, you’ve deprived our child of Rambo?”

Faith giggled and Charleigh smiled.

“Yeah. Call me crazy but I think she’s got a few more years before she’s ready for blood, guts, and gore.”

“Well, there’s something to look forward to.” Holden tousled Faith’s hair and said. “In five years you and me got a date. Rambo marathon and popcorn.”

“Try seven,” Charleigh returned.

“Six,” he countered.

“Fine, six. But only if you promise not to call Andy’s father.”

“Deal,” he gritted out because he really did want to call Andy’s father but he couldn’t wait to introduce his daughter to action movies.

“Time for bed, sweets.”

“I know, Dad already told me.”

Holden chuckled and Charleigh huffed.

Then Faith did the third best thing that ever happened to him, when she scrambled up on her knees on the bed next to him, grabbed his face, and rubbed her nose against his. “Eskimo kiss.” She bent his head forward and pressed her lips to his forehead. “Sweet dream kiss.” Then she righted his head and kissed both cheeks. “French kisses until the morning comes.”

Holden sat in stunned silence as a golden stream flowed through him.

“Your turn,” Faith declared, looking at him expectantly.

“Um…”

“Watch,” Charleigh said, and made her way to Faith’s side of the bed.

Faith moved to her mom and repeated the routine, then Charleigh did it back and his two girls scrunched their noses and giggled.

Jesus fuck. That had to be the most beautiful thing he’d ever witnessed. That was, until Faith scooted back to him, repeated the process, and he returned the gesture and saw up close his daughter’s eyes light with happiness.

That was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen in his whole damn life.

“Goodnight, Dad.”

“Goodnight, doll.”

“Night, Mom.”

“Night, sweets.”