“How can you say that? Have you changed your mind? Are you willing to become a father again someday?”
“Sure.”
“Sure?That’s your answer?” Emma’s eyes grew wide and slightly dangerous. “What the hell kind of answer is that, Danny?”
“Didn’t you see how I was able to remember Sa—her—just a bit ago?” Damn it, why was it so hard to say her name?
“Yes, I did.” Emma softened, her tone revealing that she noticed her brother’s struggle. “Don’t get me wrong, that’s wonderful. And if she’s helping to bring that out in you, I’m all for it. But Danny, there’s a big difference between remembering Sara for a moment and becoming a father again. I’m all for you having more children one day—I just don’t know if you’re ready for it. You need to talk to—”
“Don’t say I need to talk to somebody. I tried that. It doesn’t work for me.Working, staying busy, that works for me.”
“Says our father.”
Daniel clenched his jaw. “Says me.”
Emma stared him down the way only big sisters could. Daniel didn’t want to argue with her. He softened. “Em, when I’m with her, I’m better. When I’m with her, I can actually be around children again. We’ve just barely started dating. Who knows where this goes?”
“I’m just saying it’s not fair to her.”
He stepped closer to his sister and took her hands. “I won’t hurt her.” A little voice in the back of his head chided him. He ignored it.
“Hey, you two! Are we eating tonight or what?” Michael and Annika entered the kitchen carrying the empty cheese board and wineglasses.
Emma put on her biggest smile and directed it toward Annika. “We’re ready. Annika, grab the salad while these two refill our glasses.” Annika brushed past Daniel to get to the salad, and as he inhaled her familiar, comforting scent, he knew what he had told his sister was true. He could do anything with this woman by his side. Anything.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
ANNIKA
“WHAT’STHESECURITYlike when you go in early?” Daniel’s face was grim, and it was the first time he had even referenced her school in any way. They talked plenty about her teaching and the class, but never about exactly where she went.
He was getting ready to leave her apartment for the ER night shift, so he wouldn’t see her before she left in the morning to get to school early for Parents’ Visitation. She looked up from where she was putting final touches on the week’s lesson plan.
“A security officer will walk me to the classroom and clear it before returning to his post in the front of the school.” She was very matter-of-fact. Daniel simply needed to know she was safe. He’d offered to take her to school, but he had a shift, not to mention he’d have to enter the building. And if his face was any indication, he was not up for that task.
“A rent-a-cop or a real live police officer?”
Her phone chirped. She ignored it.
“A police officer.” She knew where this was coming from, and to be honest, as a teacher these days, one would have to be irresponsible to not consider the reality of what was happening in the world around them. But Annika did not live her life in fear. She was cautious and careful, but not fearful.
He nodded, his mouth downturned, eyes grim, clearly not convinced. “Can you text me when you get there? And when you get home?”
“You sound like my parents. They made me do that my whole first month.”
Daniel did not comment. Clearly, he thought that was a completely reasonable response.
“I’ll be fine.” She put aside her papers and walked over to him. “Daniel.” She wrapped her arms around him. His body was a rock. Not that she ever found his body soft, but he was completely rigid. “Daniel. Look at me.”
“You’re goingearly.” Fear and apprehension widened his eyes as he implored her to understand what he wasn’t saying.
She softened, squeezed him tight. “Okay. I’ll text you. I promise.”
Her phone chirped again.
Daniel smiled. It was forced, she knew, but he was trying. “Better check that.”
She picked up her phone. Text from Sajan. No problem! I’d be happy to come for Career Day at your school.
