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I round the corner and almost run right into her. I study her face. She’s been crying. I don’t have to ask why.
“You always cried whenever I got good news.” I skim my fingers over her chin. “When I was accepted into medical school, I think you cried more tears of joy than I did.”
Her lips part but she doesn’t say anything.
I want her next to me when I see Kristin, but that’s asking too much of her and too much of my daughter.
I want her to know Katie. Hell, I know Kristin is going to eventually love Katie as much as I do, but I have to pace this. They both need time to adjust to the presence of the other in my life.
“Kristin is on her way to Los Angeles.”
Surprise draws her brows up. “I thought she was in London.”
“I thought the same.” I rub my jaw. “Madison is visiting family in L.A. and Kristin is with her. They’re set to board a flight within the hour. I need to get home and pack. I’m heading back to California.”
I kiss her hard. I can’t contain everything I’m feeling. I want to head to the top of the Empire State Building so I can scream to the world that I’ve got my life back.
I fucking have everything I’ve wanted in my hands and I’m never letting go.
“I love you, Katie,” I tell her so she knows that this time I’m coming back to her. “I’ll be back in a few days.”
“You’ll be back,” she repeats.
“I. Will. Come. Back,” I say each word slowly and with purpose. “Nothing is going to keep me away from you.”
Her eyes lock on mine.
I kiss her again, wrapping my arms around her. “I’ll call
you after I see Kristin.”
I turn and march to the door of her apartment. Glancing over my shoulder, I see her standing next to the window staring up at the blue sky.
I can’t wait to get back to her, but for now, I need to get my ass to California so I can hug my little girl.
***
“Daddy!”
I’m on my knees before Kristin reaches me. I don’t give a shit that we’re in the middle of a hotel lobby.
I’ve waited for this day for months.
I cradle her face in my hands, studying the light in her eyes and the smile on her face.
Her features have matured. She’s at least an inch taller than she was the last time I saw her.
Madison cut off video messaging between us months ago before she axed text messages too.
I have less than two days to catch up on my little girl’s life.
“I’ve missed you, Tin.”
“Oh, Daddy.” She kisses my cheek. “I’ve missed you so much. Mommy said I get to see you more.”
I look up at Madison. I haven’t given her a second glance since she waved me over after I walked into the hotel.
“Madison,” I say her name curtly.
