She swallows hard. “But no one will hire you again if they know what you’ve done, right?”
I shrug and tug her against my chest. “I don’t know. At this point, I don’t care. You’re my number one priority.”
“But your job is important too.” She sighs sweetly as she stares at me. “Your book and—”
“My book will get written, and jobs can be found again. But you… you’re once in a lifetime, and I’m not giving you up.” I kiss her forehead gently and lift her chin until her blue eyes meet mine. “I’ve got plenty of money saved and a good relationship with the board. I’ll work something out.” I slowly tuck her head under my chin. “And your father is facing criminal charges for the drunk driving, which sounds bad, but it’s actually good. It means he’s going to get court-mandated rehab. Not to mention that you’re going to finish school, get that degree, and you’re going to make your Daddy proud.” I sweep a strand of hair off her face. “How does all that sound?”
She stares at me for a long moment before finally nodding. “I think I can work with that.”
“Okay then.” I stand and reach for her hand, knowing it’s my job to make her smile. “I think we need breakfast. Does my girl want pancakes or French toast?”
“Pancakes.” She bites back a smile as I lift her up into my arms.
“With strawberries and whipped cream?”
“Strawberries and whipped cream,” she says sweetly as I carry her toward the truck, her arm tucked around my shoulder.
I never imagined anything would mean more to me than my career, and I certainly never imagined a world where a love like this would ever make sense. But here, with my girl, I realize love is the only thing that will ever make sense again.
