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I let out a soft laugh. “That’s one way to spin it.”
“We’ll do some press. A talk show or two. Really beat the story into everyone’s heads so Frank’s brother doesn’t suspect a thing.”
I blow out a breath. “And Chloe?”
He scrubs his hand over his face. “They can’t know she’s mine, baby. I fucking hate it more than anything, but if they know she’s mine? Fuck, it puts you both in danger.”
“More secrets,” I mutter. Though there’s no other option. “I hate this.”
“Let’s just focus on the good. You’re done with fake dating other men. You and Chloe are safe. And we’re together. Who cares what the rest of the world thinks? What matters is our family. From here on out, it’s the three of us, and that’s all I care about.”
“I just wish…” I break off, scanning the barren shoreline outside my window. Fall really is here. It makes me want to take a blanket and picnic basket down there and lose myself in the season.
“What do you wish, baby?”
I shake my head. No more wishing, no more sadness. “Let’s go for a picnic. Let’s pick Chloe up from school, grab waffles, and celebrate.”
Jay’s eyes light up. “Yeah?”
“Yeah, let’s tell her we’re doing this. Let’s show her exactly what that means.”
55
MY GIRL BY THE TEMPTATIONS
Jay
Chloe steps into the living room, her brown hair curled into ringlets and a bright smile lighting up her face. The navy dress I had custom designed by Sienna Langfield is simple and elegant. The only adornments are the ruffled hem at the knee and a bow on one side of the neck.
“Stunning.” I hold out the corsage I brought for her with a smile. I’m not sure if these are still a thing, but fuck if I wasn’t getting my little girl flowers. Cat appears behind her, wearing black drawstring sweats and a sweater that falls off one shoulder, exposing one of my favorite spots.
“This dress is gorgeous,” Cat says, twirling Chloe to face her.
My daughter peers back at me, her eyes darting to the flowers. “I still can’t believe Sienna designed this. The girls are going to flip!”
Smirking, I kiss her on the cheek first and slide the corsage onto her wrist. When she grabs her phone so she can text “the girls,” I finally give Cat the attention she deserves.
“How is it possible that you look more beautiful in sweats than most women look on the runway?”
She gives me a coy smile and loops her arms around my neck. Instead of responding, she pops up onto her toes and kisses me. It’s a quick one since Chloe is nearby, but she’s getting more comfortable with affection around her. Every time she catches us, there’s a glint in her eye. She doesn’t fully trust it yet, which I understand, but along with her concern, there’s a glimmer of hope. And tonight, I plan to let her in on a little secret that I hope will help her trust my intentions. I want her to see that Cat and I aren’t just trying things out. She needs to understand that we’re building a life together and she’s at the center of it.
Holding Cat in my arms, I spin so we’re facing our daughter. “Hey, Chlo, what’s the best dance to pair with chips?”
Cat groans beside me, but Chloe’s eyes light up. She’s loving my jokes. Not going to lie, I’m kind of awesome at the dad thing.
“Salsa,” I say as I spin Cat out. I curl my wrist and pop my hip, doing my best salsa impression. “Olé!”
Chloe giggles, and despite her best efforts, Cat beams.
Yeah, I’m awesome.
* * *
“Del hasn’t stopped talkingabout Chloe’s Sienna Langfield dress,” Dexter says, arching an accusatory brow in my direction.
I chuckle and hold up my hands. “Sorry, man. I have over a decade to make up for.”
He slaps my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “It’s good to see them both so happy.”
