“Good.”
He stood.“How about we go out into the backyard.It’s nice out, and the sun and fresh air will do us some good.”
“I like the sound of that.But I really can walk.”
He grinned down at her.“And it’s just as easy to carry you.This way, I can put you where I want you.”
She curled his neck with her arms.“Fine by me.”
He chuckled and sat them down on the outside sofa.He lay down and pulled her on top of him.
“This can’t be comfortable.”
He rubbed a hand up and down her back.“Hush, I want you here.Just please tell me if I hurt you.”
She snuggled down.“You would never hurt me, Daddy.”
He grunted.“Jesus, woman.Every time you call me that, it makes me feel...complete.”
“I’m glad.”
He heard her mumble, and then she went silent.Within minutes, she was breathing heavily, telling him she’d fallen asleep.He looked up through the tree branches they lay under, where little rays of the sun were able to shine through, so it wasn’t too hot she might sunburn.
He closed his own eyes, tucked his little closer to his chest, and fell asleep.She was where she was supposed to be, and he would never let her go.
Chapter Eighteen
Myla tightened herhold on Kaleb’s hand as they crossed the street to McMalley’s, where their friends waited.
Myla and Kaleb waved at everyone when they got to the table.
“Guys, we saved you seats,” Kelly yelled.
Myla bent and hugged her.“Thank you.”
Kaleb held her chair and then moved his as close as he could, draping his arm over the back.She listened to him talk to Kole and a few others while she talked to her friends.
