“It’s crazy, right?” I rub the back of my neck, still trying to process it all myself.
After I left Julie’s house, I called my assistant in a daze. I told her everything and asked her to work a miracle. I needed the house ready for my girls as soon as possible.
And she delivered.
In just six short hours, she managed to track down all the essential furniture and supplies. Now, as I sit in my living room with my brothers, Eliza, and Willow, I’m still reeling from the whirlwind of it all.
Heath leans forward with his elbows on his knees. “So what’s the plan? Are they moving in here with you?”
I glance around at the flurry of activity in my new house—deliverymen carrying in furniture and my assistant directing traffic. It’s all happening so fast.
“That’s the hope,” I say. “Julie agreed to stay for the weekend with her sister Josie and Maddie. I want to show them that this can be their home, that I can provide for them.”
“Josie’s moving in too?” Drew asks, raising an eyebrow.
I nod firmly. “She’s mine too. Until she finds a man of her own to look after her, she’ll be under my protection.”
Eliza and Willow exchange a look, their eyes soft with sympathy.
“Oh, Blake, that’s so sweet,” Willow says. “I’m sure they’ll love it here. And we’ll do whatever we can to help.”
I nod appreciatively, but my mind is already drifting. I’m picturing the moment I first laid eyes on my daughter. Those big blue eyes blinking up at me, her tiny hand wrapping around my finger... I swear my heart nearly burst out of my chest.
I’ve always wanted to be a father, but I had no idea how powerful it would feel to meet my own flesh and blood. To know I helped create this perfect little person.
And seeing Maddie with Julie, watching the tender way she held her, the love shining in her eyes... It hit me like a freight train. This is my family. My whole world wrapped up in these two incredible people.
I know right then and there that I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work. To convince Julie to stay, to make her my wife. I want to give Maddie a sibling, a big house to grow up in, and a dad who adores her.
I’m pulled from my thoughts by Eliza’s voice.
“I can’t even imagine how overwhelming this must be,” she says gently. “But we’re here for you, Blake. Whatever you need.”
“Thanks, Eliza.” I clear my throat, reining in my emotions. “I don’t plan on wasting this chance. This weekend is going to be perfect. I’ll make sure of it.”
A knock at the door interrupts our conversation.
Drew arches an eyebrow at me. “You sure you want all of us here for this, man? It might be a little overwhelming.”
I nod. “I’m positive. I want Julie and Josie to see that they have a support system here. That they don’t have to go through this alone anymore.”
“We’ve got their backs,” Heath agrees, nodding solemnly. “No matter what.”
Emotion clogs my throat and I clear it roughly. “Thanks, guys.”
Taking a deep breath, I cross the room and open the door. And there she is. Julie. Holding our daughter and looking more beautiful than ever.
She shifts self-consciously, tugging at her clothes.
“Hi.” She offers me a tentative smile.
“Hey there, gorgeous,” I reply. “Come on in.”
As she steps inside, I reach out and gently squeeze Maddie’s tiny hand. “And how’s my favorite girl doing this evening?”
Julie laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. “She’s been excited to see her daddy all day. Haven’t you, sweet pea?”
Maddie gurgles happily in response, and I grin, my heart so full it feels like it might burst.
