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I turn to Haven, a peaceful look crossing her face, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her to me. “You still happy to tend to the pigs now you’ve seen what they can do?”
She lets out a small laugh. “Is it weird that it makes me like them even more?”
A slow grin forms when I turn, walking us out of the barn. “Figures. Rip, you okay to clean this up? I have to check on my daughter.”
“Yeah, man. I’m all good. Happy to have you back, bruh.”
I lean in, kiss Haven’s temple, and she wraps her arm around my waist.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“I will be. I have my daughter back. And I can finally let go of the past that’s been haunting me. With Gates gone, I can do that.”
“Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
Entering the clubhouse, I spot Livvy sitting with Poppy, running her hands all over Poppy’s face, smothering her completely, and I huff. “I have a feeling I’m gonna need to hold you to that.”
Poppy spins dramatically, spots me, and jumps out of her mother’s grip, racing for me. “Daddy!”
I let go of Haven, and Poppy jumps into my arms. I hold tight, swinging her around, needing to embrace her so fucking tight.
My chest floods with warmth. Where I felt cold and betrayedmoments before from Gates and Swift, my soul instantly feels lighter and full simply from being near Poppy.
She is my safe place.
She always has been.
Until she was ripped from me.
Now, I have been given that second chance to feel those feelings again.
And damn, if it isn’t wonderful.
“It’s good to see you, baby girl.”
She pulls back, still in my arms, and glances at Haven. “Glad you’re here, Blue Jay.”
Haven exhales, shaking her head. “I’m not Blue Jay anymore, Poppy. I’m Haven now. But I’m so glad I am here too.”
“Are you staying?” Poppy asks.
Haven glances at me, raising her brow.
I chuckle. “Yeah. Poppy, she’s staying.”
Poppy smiles so wide it’s contagious as Livvy storms over toward us. The sound of her feet thumping the concrete when she approaches sends a shudder up my spine. I place Poppy down by my side, and she reaches out for my bloodied hand, taking it in hers. I inhale deeply before Haven slides her arm around me, obviously sensing the tension barreling its way toward us like a freight train. I slide my arm around her shoulders, letting Livvy know that Haven is welcome here.
Livvy stops in front of the three of us, placing her hand out for our daughter. “Poppy, c’mon. Let’s go.”
Poppy tightens her grip on my hand as I widen my eyes at Livvy. “What are you doing, Liv?”
She huffs, folding her arms over her chest. “Look, Stone, you know I love you. You know that willneverchange. You’re always going to be a part of my life. But I just got Poppy back.” Her eyes flood with tears. “I can’t run the risk of losing her to this club again. I… Iwon’tdo it, Stone. Poppy, come here.”
Poppy clings to my leg, my heart doubling its speed. “Livvy, you can’t take my daughter away from me.”
“Daddy!” Poppy whimpers, and I kneel to her level, sliding my arm around her.
“It’s okay, baby girl. We’re going to figure this out—”
