Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“We’re a team, Zara. Your Daddy will never let you go, and we won’t ever let anyone hurt you,” Caesar told her firmly.
Nodding, Zara looked at each of their faces before saying, “Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“No repayment needed, Little Swan,” Kestrel told her.
Celeste’s eyes widened. “Little Swan? I love that. It’s so you. Regal but fierce. I got attacked by a swan at the lake one time. They’re vicious if they think you’re going to endanger their babies. I just wanted to pet the fluff on one’s head.” When Hawking looked at her and shook his head, she protested. “What? I was like six. And it all stuck up like this!” Celeste thrust her fingers into the air on top of her head.
“I’d want to pet that,” Sadie said, nodding. Then she added, “Now that we know what’s going on, let’s leave the men to their discussions.” She turned toward Zara. “You need a swan on your door.”
“I noticed both of yours. I don’t know that I can draw a swan,” Zara said sadly.
“I think there’s one in my coloring book. Let’s go look!” Celeste said, grabbing Zara’s and Sadie’s hands to head for the small art area set up at the side of the room.
They were embroiled in decorating animal pictures when Kestrel dropped a kiss on Zara’s hair before pulling out the chair next to his Little girl and sitting down. After spreading a protective sheet of heavy paper on the table, Kestrel opened a tackle box and pulled out three rocks with a base coat already covering them. Choosing a paintbrush and opening a few paint jars, he decorated the rocks. One became a penguin on a floating ice island, another a black cat sitting in front of the moon, and the third, a beautiful swan on a lake.
The three women watched him carefully, and each exclaimed their delight as the designs came together to form their favorites. Having been warned, they didn’t dare touch them in case they smudged the paint as it dried.
“What are you going to do with them?” Zara asked.
“I usually place these around the resort for fun. People love to find them,” Kestrel explained. “I think maybe these special ones might want to stay with you three—when they’re dry, of course.”
“I’d love that,” Zara confessed. “Could you teach me? I’d love to make people smile.”
“That sounds like a perfect project for a rainy, windy day when I can’t fly the helicopter,” Kestrel suggested.
“A couple of those coming up, I’m afraid,” Magnus murmured.
“He doesn’t miss anything, does he?” Zara asked before yawning.
“Time for bed, Little girl. Say goodnight to your friends,” Kestrel instructed.
“Can I put my swan up before bed?” Zara asked, holding up the swan picture she had decorated.
“I think we can steal a few minutes to do that first,” Kestrel allowed as they cleaned up the area while leaving the rocks to dry completely.
When they were finished, Zara hugged Celeste and Sadie goodnight before slipping her hand into Kestrel’s. “I’m ready, Daddy.”
She loved his smile. No one was as handsome as her Daddy. Yes, all the guys were buff and physically fit. Yes, they were all good-looking, but her Daddy was it for her. Zara was sure Celeste and Sadie thought their Daddies were incredible, too, and that made her happy. She wanted her friends to be with someone who made their hearts race—just like hers did.
Zara squeezed Kestrel’s hand as they rode the elevator silently.
“You okay, Little Swan?” he asked, his brows drawing together in concern.
“I’m scared, but I feel safe with you and the others.”
“I’m glad.” He ushered her out as the doors opened.
“Do you have any tape?” she asked.
“Of course. It’s right here,” Kestrel said, opening a drawer in one of the end tables in the front gathering area and waving it.
“Yay! Let’s put my picture on our door.”
She rushed forward to hold the swan on the door. “Here or here?” she asked, pressing it higher and lower. Zara looked over her shoulder at the other doors to see where Celeste and Sadie had placed theirs.
“How about the middle?” Kestrel proposed.
“Good idea, Daddy. Then we can both see it well.”
She held it carefully in place as Kestrel rolled the tape into loops. He put one on the backside at each corner to hold it securely and invisibly. Zara stepped back and clapped. It looked perfect. Her door wasn’t empty anymore.
My door?
Zara looked up at the handsome man who watched her. It really was her door. She’d come here all alone and so scared. She was still afraid, but it was different now, knowing she wasn’t alone. Kestrel would do anything to keep her safe. More important than that, he’d made a life and home for her. Working with Celeste and sharing time with the team made every day better. Zara rushed forward to wrap her arms around Kestrel’s waist.