And it wasn’t just her name. It was the way she fit into his arms like she had always belonged there. The way she softened the edges of his world and made the house feel alive. Everything about her, from her stubborn streak to her tender heart, was exactly what he needed.
Could that be his life?
Could he really be lucky enough to have a life filled with all this love, all this laughter, and all this madness? He let himself imagine it. Quiet mornings with Bliss. Every vision was brighter than the last.
Bliss finished her toasted marshmallow and snuggled close, putting her head in his lap. Her lids were almost closed, and her voice slurred. Yawning, she nodded. “That was amazing, Daddy. I love you.”
“Sleep now, Trouble. Tomorrow will be here before you know it.”
“I can’t fall asleep without Tipsy,” she said with a slur.
“Well, I’ll get her for you. Where is she?”
“Seagull’s gots her, Daddy. She swooped in a stole my Tipsy. And she din’t even used her today at the hearing. You can make her give my Tipsy back, Daddy?”
Oh, he’d get her Tipsy back all right. “Daddy will take care of it, babygirl. Now go too sleep.” But he was too late. She already had.
His hand stayed on her shoulder, stroking her hair, memorizing the feel of her in his arms. Her words, soft and sleep-laced, were a promise and a balm all at once. He wanted to trust those words, but he couldn’t.
As exhausted as she was, she couldn’t know what she was mumbling. But he prayed she meant them because he loved her, too. He’d never admitted it, even to himself, until now. Now, Bliss—and everyone who came with her—was his for the rest of his life.
Once they made it through tomorrow, the second day of the hearing.
But tonight, he would let himself just breathe her in. Just hold her close and let the quiet of the night fill the cracks of a day gone wrong. Tomorrow could wait. Tonight, it was just him and his babygirl, and that was enough.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The next day in court proved to be a different experience. Connor now understood why Sabre Security had Raleigh Stevens on retainer.
The tension that had clung to the walls yesterday had vanished, replaced with a buzz of anticipation and quiet confidence. The courtroom felt lighter somehow, the air charged with support rather than accusation.
As soon as they entered the courtroom, Connor grinned. Every seat was filled with friends and family, and even a few people he’d never met. Vivi was there in a bright red cardigan, surrounded by Hutch, Reid, and the rest of his Sabre brothers. Ivy was there, as well.
The sight tightened his chest with more emotions than he could name. Pride. Relief. Gratitude. And so many more, all wrapped into one big, roaring wave that made him want to sweep Bliss up and hold her forever.
All the Musketiaras, sparkling crowns on their heads, gathered in the front row, clapping and cheering as they made their way to the table. Bliss was every shade of pink he’d ever known, but she wore a bright smile on her face, and she stood tall.
“Psst.” Georgia waved them over. “We all voted last week, and we were going out to celebrate this coming weekend. But after all the shi”—a whistle interrupted her, and Hutch glared her way—"right, I mean, after all the horse hockey that went on yesterday, we wanted you to have it now.”
Connor chuckled under his breath, loving the way their Little tradition brought light to the heaviness of the courtroom. Bliss’s eyes sparkled as she leaned over, curious and excited. Leaning over the wooden bar between them, she accepted the pale pink box from Georgia.
All the other girls crowded closer. Bliss stared down at the box and asked, “What is it?”
“Open it and see,” Winnie said. “Hurry up!”
Connor felt his heart tug as he watched her carefully lift the lid, her fingers trembling slightly, the tiniest hint of anticipation lighting her entire body.
“Okay, okay, hold your horses,” Bliss said, opening the top and pulling back the tissue paper. She gasped, and her entire body stilled. “Oh my gosh! Are you sure?”
Breezy clapped her hands. “Of course, we’re sure. The vote was unanimous. Let’s see you try it on.”
Bliss handed the box to Connor and carefully pulled out a sparkling tiara. Turning to face him, she held it out, beaming with joy. “Can you put it on me, Daddy?”
There was his babygirl. He would have to thank Reid and the rest of the guys for bringing their Littles. “Of course, babygirl. Hold still.” He performed the coronation, and another round of claps and cheers echoed through the courtroom.
Her eyes shone brighter than the tiara, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. In a whisper, she asked, “Do you think they’ll be mad if I don’t wear it during the hearing? I’m afraid the judge won’t understand.”
“They won’t mind, Trouble. They’re here because they are on your team.” She needed to understand that she was surrounded by people who had her back, who believed in her, who would cheer her every step of the way.
