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I loved everything about my relationship with Jordy and Archer, but there was a special way that Harrison folded me into his arms that made me feel extra safe. Like I had a big, grumpy grizzly bear for a boyfriend.
Unlike the other two, he had stayed on with Mathos Company. Being an individual gave him a lot more flexibility to join other groups for missions around the world, and to do reconnaissance work alone if needed. The money was fantastic, and he insisted he didn’t want to do anything else for a career. I was okay with that, so long as he avoided dangerous jobs. He promised never to take anything dangerous again, like Prague or Baku.
I pulled away and cupped his cheek. “I thought you said you were going to grow your beard back out while you were gone.”
He shrugged. “Didn’t get around to it. I’ll stop shaving tomorrow.”
He had been saying that for a year, now, but always woke up and shaved first thing in the morning. It had become our own private little joke.
I kissed him, and for a few moments I forgot all about the to-do list I had. The passionate, hungry way in which Harrison kissed me had a way of making me forget things.
“Daddy?” Kaylee asked, surprise turning into excitement. “Daddy!”
We broke our kiss as she tackled him around the midsection. “Have you grown since I’ve been gone?”
“Half an inch!” she said proudly.
“Wow. Half an inch. You’ll be bigger than me by Christmas.”
Kaylee’s smile faded away. “We were baking you cupcakes for your return. But they’re not ready yet.”
Harrison dipped a thick finger into the bowl and licked it. “I like the raw batter more.”
“Daddy! They’re not ready yet!”
He dipped his finger in again, but this time wiped the batter on Kaylee’s cheek. She squealed and tried to play-slap at him, but he deftly grabbed her wrists and held them out to the side.
“No fair,” she whined. “You’re too strong!”
“I have to be big and strong to protect my girls.” He glanced at me and smiled. “Guess where I was this time.”
“Um.” She furrowed her brow. “Raleigh.”
Harrison laughed. “I was a lot farther away than Raleigh.”
“Asheville?”
“I was out of the state, sweetie. Out of the country. I’ll give you a hint.” He reached down into his duffel bag and pulled out a stuffed kangaroo. “There were lots of these where I was.”
Her eyes widened. “Australia!”
He handed her the toy. “Wow, good guess. You’re so smart.”
“Trish and I have been doing geography quizzes every day. Did you know Antarctica is the seventh continent? Only a few people live there, though.”
“Woooow,” Harrison said, making a show of being impressed. “I didn’t know that.”
Kaylee grinned then suddenly looked sad. “What’s wrong?” Harrison asked.
“I didn’t think you were coming home until tomorrow. Maggie asked if I can spend the night tonight.”
“You can spend the night with Maggie.” He glanced at me. “If it’s okay with Trish, of course.”
“But I’ve missed you,” she insisted. “You’ve been gone two weeks. And I feel bad…”
“I’ll take you to Maggie’s and tell you all about my trip,” he said, sweeping her up into his arms. “Then, tomorrow, we’ll spendall daytogether. How’s that sound?”
“Okay!”
