“Daddy,” she repeated in a whisper, peeking up at him.
“When you’re ready, I’d love for you to call me Daddy.” He lifted her chin and kissed her lightly before repeating, “When you’re ready. Now, sit down and see if you approve of my grilled cheese.”
“I’m sure it’s wonderful,” she told him, sliding into the chair he pulled out for her.
After putting her napkin on her lap to show him she had manners, Brooklyn took a bite of the sandwich. A long string of cheese stretched as she pulled the yummy treat away. She twirled it around her finger and popped it into her mouth when she’d finished chewing. “Absolutely incredible.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Caden told her.
Brooklyn couldn’t believe how easy it was to talk to him. He didn’t probe into her past, but told funny stories about his team. She could tell how bonded they were. Each seemed to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Caden’s perceptions of the other soldiers impressed her. His role as the team chief relied on his experience and insight into those he led.
“Did you always want to be a soldier?”
“Always. My father and grandfather were in the military. I guess it’s in my blood.”
“Isn’t your job dangerous?” she asked, trying to look cheerful, while inside she worried.
“I won’t lie to you, Brookie. My team deals with some unpleasant characters. That’s why we train so hard. So we can get in, do the job we’re given, and all return safely. We should talk about deployments.”
Her appetite vanished. Brooklyn gripped her hands together under the table and asked, “You won’t leave soon, will you?”
“My position deals with a lot of emergencies, sweetheart. When my phone rings, I go. Let me grab a piece of paper and we’ll figure out what you should do if you’re here alone.”
“Oh, I’ll just leave,” she blurted. He wouldn’t want her to stay if he weren’t here.
“You will not. This is your home now.” His tone was stern and commanding.
She definitely didn’t want to argue with him, but when he was gone, she would have to do whatever she needed to be safe. “I appreciate you want me to stay.”
An ‘eep’ of surprise escaped from her lips as he plucked her out of her chair to sit on his lap. Automatically, she tried to slide off, but he held her firmly in place. “Caden…”
“Eyes on mine, little girl.”
Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his blue eyes. His expression struck her—caring and concerned. “I will take every precaution to keep you safe, even if I’m not here. Your days of running are over, little girl.”
“I hate looking over my shoulder. And…” She hesitated.
“And what, Brookie?”
“I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay with you.”
“And I want you here. So we make plans, and you stick around,” he told her firmly.
“Okay. I won’t run.”
“Good girl. Now, I don’t indulge very much, but I think this calls for a celebration. What do you think about fudge bars?”
“I love them.”
Caden placed Brooklyn back on her chair and stood to grab their empty plates. “Let Daddy clean up and then we’ll have our treat.”
“Can I help?”
“Daddy’s job. How about if you color me a picture for the refrigerator? That metal surface is so boring and sad.”
“Do you have colored pencils?” she asked eagerly.
“Go check in that drawer there.” He pointed to the bottom drawer of the desk at the side of the kitchen. “Anything in there is for you to play with. Leave the other drawers alone.”
