“We couldn’t coordinate our reaction to the bun message again if we tried,” Pippa said. The group dissolved into giggles.
“If we don’t get up there soon, Max will eat all the food,” Zale told them.
Max’s piled-high plate immediately motivated everyone. Caden’s plate looked very similar a few minutes later. Of course, he’d piled food on his to feed both of them. Brooklyn settled happily on his lap like the other Littles did with their daddies.
I wish this moment could last forever.Brooklyn hadn’t enjoyed a social life since Brent got mad at one of her friends after another and shut them out of her life. Brooklyn could feel the ties between the men. They would be friends for a long time after their military service ended. Brooklyn basked in the laughter and good-natured ribbing that characterized the group’s interactions.
She also learned a lot about her daddy. These powerful, skilled men trusted Caden with their lives. In return, he had dedicated himself to making sure each soldier was battle-honed and prepared to survive whatever the higher-ups threw at them.
Caden had never talked about his efforts with the group. He’d never bragged about himself or taken credit for the team’s successes. Her heart bursting with pride, Brooklyn kissed his cheek.
“Are you okay, sweetheart? Was that a signal that we need to leave?” Caden asked.
“No way. This is fun. Thank you for bringing me, Daddy.”
“Super fabulous!” Pippa called, holding one of the fudgy brownies Brooklyn had chosen for her and Caden to bring for dessert. “These are amazing!”
“I think the brownies were a good choice, little girl,” Caden whispered in her ear. “Want to go get us one before they disappear?”
Nodding, Brooklyn slid off his lap to dart over to the picnic table. The debate over caramel or double-chocolate brownies being the best completely distracted her from returning with a brownie. The women slid onto the bench seats and chatted,enjoying the chocolaty treats that seemed to evaporate before their eyes.
“You didn’t save me one, did you, little girl?” Caden asked from the end of the table.
Brooklyn looked at the empty platter and felt bad. “Oops? Sorry, Daddy.”
Caden patted his flat abdomen like he was Santa with a big belly. He turned slightly back to the men and announced in a loud voice, “That’s okay, Brookie. I’ll have less to burn off tomorrow in our ten-mile training run.”
“I should not have eaten that second helping of potato salad,” Koa moaned.
Laughter filled the backyard. Happy, Brooklyn stood and rushed to hug her daddy.If only this could last.
CHAPTER 12
Enchanted by her sweet face, Caden allowed himself to stay in bed for several long minutes to watch Brooklyn sleep. Having her here was a dream come true. Sure, there were complications, like her panic last night, but when didn’t a relationship have a few bumps? He couldn’t believe he had fallen so hard and so fast, but here he was in love with this incredible woman.
“Mmm,” she murmured and rubbed her cheek on the pillow.
Caden eased himself away, wanting her to sleep in much later than his internal clock had alerted him. He held his breath as he pulled a drawer open a couple of inches to grab a pair of sleep pants. After pausing at the door to glance back at the adorable sight of her holding her bunny under her chin, Caden quietly closed the door before stepping into the garment he held.
Soon, he sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone as he drank a glass of milk. Caden didn’t own a coffeemaker. He didn’t see the point in one. A brisk run woke him up much faster than caffeine.
The sun shone brightly into the room when he checked the clock again, wondering how long she would sleep. A quiet yawn drew his attention to the hallway. Brooklyn stood framedin the opening with the comforter wrapped around her like an oversized hoodie. Caden tossed his phone onto the end table and opened his arms.
“Come here, Brookie.”
She walked slowly over to him and climbed onto his lap. “Daddy, you left me in bed.”
“You and Fluffikins were sleeping so well. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“I missed you.”
“That’s so sweet. I missed you too. We have the whole day together. What shall we do? There’s a great zoo here in town. I could give you a tour of the base. Maybe you’d rather go shopping?”
“I’d love to see the base, but I’d rather do something else,” she whispered, peeking up at him.
“Okay. What would you like to do?”
“The girls said they have pacifiers…”
