Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Keeping an eye on her, Jerico filled up a divided plate with the delicious cheesy dish and some bites of grilled chicken that he’d already cut up. “Try that. Be careful—it’s hot.”
He watched Aspen fork up a small bite and blow on it carefully. His mind immediately created a mental image that was similar, but much hotter as he dished himself up a large portion. He usually watched his diet, but after that grueling run, he needed to recharge. At least he’d tried to make it as healthy as possible.
“What’s that green stuff?” she asked, pointing to a small piece of spinach. “Is that a carrot?”
“It’s vitamins. Try it. I think you’ll like it.”
“I’m not big into vegetables,” she said as she plucked the green sliver out of her food.
“Take three bites. If you still don’t like it, I’ll help you,” Jerico stated, laying down the law.
“Spinach tastes bad,” she said and wrinkled her nose adorably.
“Three bites.”
With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Aspen dropped the food from her fork and picked up one macaroni noodle instead. As if daring him to say anything, she put that in her mouth and swallowed. Jerico controlled his smile when her eyes opened wide.
“One.”
She scooped up a few noodles and ate those. This time, she wiggled happily in her chair as she chewed.
“Two.”
“This is fantastic. I can’t believe that I can’t taste the veggies. It’s the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever eaten.”
“I’m glad. Daddies know a few things about keeping little girls happy and healthy. Try some more,” Jerico encouraged before saying, “I found Rexy on my bed this afternoon. He’s not too much of a guard dog, is he? He didn’t even wake up until I rubbed his belly.”
“He’s too meek for that. Eddie played a real number on him.”
She looked so sad. Jerico mentally kicked himself for reminding her of that jerk. “But you always made his life better. And now, he’s in dog nirvana. I figured he needs to catch up on sleep just like you do.”
“Are you really going to make me go to sleep at eight-thirty? That’s like three hours from now,” she protested.
“I am. Have a bite of chicken too. Your job requires muscles. It’s important to fuel your strength.”
“You’re going to make me eat healthy meals all the time, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I used to eat healthy so that I didn’t let my team down when they needed me. Now, I’ll eat a balanced diet so I can live for a long time.”
“Because of me?” she asked.
“Because of you.”
He watched her take a bite of chicken and repeat that adorable wiggle in her chair. “Good, huh?”
“You’re an amazing cook. We can alternate making meals.”
“Not going to happen. It’s Daddy’s job to take care of you. I’ll package up a few frozen meals for you to eat when I’m deployed. Then I’ll get to take care of you even when I’m not here.”
“Does that happen often?”
“Does the team get deployed often?” he asked. When she nodded, he continued, “I’m new to this team, so I don’t know how frequently they’re sent somewhere. This team has some specialized skills, so I’m sure we’ll be tapped to go regularly.”
“Is it dangerous when you’re gone?”
He met her gaze. “My team trains at the highest level to survive everything that is thrown at us. Every mission is dangerous, but we work together to make sure everyone makes it home. I have even more reason now to succeed.”
“Because I’m here?”
“Because you’re here.”
She smiled and then looked down at her food. As she pushed around a few noodles, he suspected she was imagining the worst. Jerico reached out to wrap his hand around hers. Instantly, she met his gaze.
“I could get hurt here, crossing the street. No one has any guarantees in life. Being apprehensive about something that could happen won’t help. We’re going to enjoy every moment we have together. Okay?”
She nodded. “Okay. I’m still going to worry.”
“You’re allowed to do that as long as you don’t spend too much time consumed by tomorrow’s risks that you don’t live for today.”
“You’re pretty smart,” she said with a nod.
“I’ve had longer to process all this. Eat. I thought we’d discuss your rules and consequences after dinner.”
“And yours,” Aspen added quickly.
“And mine.”
CHAPTER 9
“Ishould do the dishes,” Aspen repeated for the third time as she looked at the colored pencils and the coloring book that Jerico had placed in front of her after dinner. She didn’t feel right having him wait on her.
“I only have a few things to stick in the dishwasher. It will take me five minutes max,” he promised.
When she didn’t open the coloring book, he asked, “Do you like to color?”
“Only with crayons,” she admitted.
“Then I’ll pick some of those up tomorrow. How about some word puzzles for tonight?”
“I haven’t done those for years,” Aspen answered truthfully.