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He nodded and pulled away to drag the back of his hand across his nose. “Thanks. I know he was a pain-in-the-ass wise guy, but he was all I had, you know?”
“I understand,” I assured him, looking down at my little girl. “But at least that’s not the case anymore.”
Vaughn’s gaze rose questionably to my face. Then he blinked and cleared his throat before motioning toward the bag still sitting in the middle of the floor. “I, uh, I brought you some of those things you asked for. It’s just some pictures and family memory albums and stuff.”
“You did?” I brightened into a happy smile. “That’s great. Thank you. But, uh, are you sure about the memory albums? I don’t want to take anything too sentimental from
you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, easing a step back as if he were preparing to bolt. “They should be kept with Duke’s daughter.”
I glanced at the angelic face of the infant in my arms. Then up again. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you just keep the albums and then stay in touch with us? That way, you can tell Ava Grace all about Duke when she’s older.”
He gaped at me in wonder for a moment, then shook his head slightly. “A-are you sure? You wouldn’t mind if I—I mean, it’s okay to visit her sometimes?”
“Of course. You’re well-meaning family, aren’t you? Well, good family sticks together.” Then I cracked a grin and rolled my eyes. “I mean, trust me, if I thought relatives were that disposable, I might’ve gotten rid of Beau ages ago.” But then I lifted a finger thoughtfully and added, “But kept his wife and kid around, for sure.”
He smiled vaguely over my lame attempt at a joke, only to fall serious again. “Thank you. I...” He shook his head, looking like he might burst into tears again, but he managed to hold it in by clearing his throat and sending me a tense smile. “I appreciate it.” Easing a step back, he jammed his hands uncomfortably into his pockets. “Well…” He glanced toward the door, then turned back. “I still have your card, so I’ll—I’ll just keep in touch?”
Since he’d made it a question, I nodded encouragingly. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Alright then. Great.” He risked another peek at Ava Grace, then met my gaze. “Thank you,” he murmured before turning away to leave the room, totally forgetting the gift bag full of Merrill family albums.
I blew out a heavy breath at his departure, figuring I’d get his stuff back to him later. Because it definitely seemed like there would be another later between us.
Which was weird. Vaughn Merrill was going to be a permanent fixture in my life from now on. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if I dreaded our next encounter or looked forward to it because, wow, it might’ve taken a couple of attempts to warm up to the guy, but once you did…
Holy hell. He left quite an impact.
The rest of Lucy Olivia’s story
will continue in…
INSTA-FAMILY
Forbidden Universe Books
in Chronological Order
Forbidden Men Series
Book 1
PRICE OF A KISS
(Reese and Mason)
Book 2
TO PROFESSOR, WITH LOVE
(Aspen and Noel)
Book 3
BE MY HERO
(Pick and Eva)
