“I will make my own choices. And you will request, not demand, when you want me to do something.”
“Of course.”
“What?”
“You always have a choice. With one exception, when your life is in danger, I will do whatever I need to do in order to ensure your safety.”
She sighs. “I wasn’t in danger.”
“You can’t trust an addict. And I can’t handle losing you, so I’ll keep chucking you over my shoulder or fighting to the death for you without apologizing about it. But I’m sorry that I made you feel anything but loved and cherished today. We’re equal partners in this relationship in every way.”
“Oh, really?”
“Absolutely.” I take her hand and place it on my heart. “Hearing that my actions made you think about that time in your life breaks my heart.”
“What was that you said about making out?”
This woman makes my whole heart smile.
There’s a pounding at Fiona’s bedroom door. “Dad, Daria is here.”
“And we’re out of time.”
“We could make time.” Her sultry grin is enough to tempt a stronger man than me.
“Later. I need to talk you and your sister into moving in with me now.”
Fiona shoves herself out of my arms and walks over to turn off the radio. “You know we’re safe here.”
“You’ll be safer in my home.”
“Max.”
“You’re a target. Therefore, your sister is a target. Maddox has all these children to care for without the added pressure of worrying about you two. My family has more security than Fort Knox, and no one will think to look for you there. Plus, it’s not like you’re moving in with me. You’d be moving in with my entire family. There would be no pressure. It would be a great way to get to know them.”
Fear fills her face. “What if they hate me?”
“They’ve already met you and love you. There’s no need to worry. Everything will be just fine. And think of all the built-in babysitters for Dash.”
“Dash. Max, we have to be careful. Hope seems really attached to him. He could be going to his adoptive family really soon.”
I love it when my woman protects my daughter. How did I pick such a wonderful person? “Hope won’t get her heart broken.” Because we’re going to be those parents.
Address Change
Fiona
“Are you really sure you want to do this?” I stop putting clothes into my suitcase.
Daria sets down the shirt she was folding.“We’re leaving the only home I’ve ever had. It’s weird.”
“This doesn’t have to be permanent. Just until they resolve the threat.”
Daria chuffs. “Yeah, right. Like that man is ever going to want you to move out. He’s going to put a ring on your finger before that happens.”
“Not happening.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
