Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
“You should go see the kids. They’re probably out of their minds wondering what’s taking so long.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you.”
“I’m sure. I’ll feed him. Hopefully, we’ll both go back to sleep after.”
“Alright. I’ll bring dinner back with me so you don’t need to eat this hospital food.”
“Thank you, Daddy. You’re always taking care of me.”
“I told you I would. That’s my job.” He leans down and kisses me. I love the feeling of his lips on mine. Even now, every kiss feels like a cold drink on a hot day or that first bite of my favorite meal.
“I’m sure they’re going to want to hear your voice. I’ll text you to see if you’re awake, and if you are, I’ll let them call you.”
“That’s awesome. Thank you.”
The baby stirs, and I start feeding him. While he nurses, my mind goes back to that first night.
Chris seemed so big and gruff. When my father told me I had to go with him, I didn’t know what to expect and I immediately assumed the worst. I thought I’d be found naked and beaten in a ditch somewhere, but then, he told me I could take the kitten with me. He also told me I was going to be his nanny, and I thought if he was a father, then he might not be so bad.
Then, finding out he wanted a nanny for his dogs made my heart melt, and I realized that he’s a lot softer than he lets on.
It’s crazy how something as wonderful as our life together can come from something as terrible as having a father who’s willing to just trade you for an extension on his debt. I’d say I was lucky, but I don’t think luck had anything to do with it.
I think that when Chris first saw me, he saw how desperate my life was and he wanted to save me from it. He didn’t even know me, but he wanted to protect me from the horrible world that my father had brought me into.
Sure, he wanted something in return, but what he wanted was exactly what I wanted to give him. He wanted me, and after all these years, he still does.
How can I ever ask for anything more in this life? I have the biggest, strongest, sweetest Daddy and our love has created five amazing, beautiful children.
I receive Chris’ text and let him know I’m awake. Moments later, the phone rings.
“Hello.”
“Hello, baby. Are you ready to speak to this wild gang of excited little people?”
“Yes, put them on.” I smile.
My four children are all talking at once and I can barely make out a word of it, but I don’t care. Just hearing the excitement in their voices is enough to fill me to the brim with warmth and love. When they finish and Chris takes the phone back, he asks, “How are you feeling, baby girl?”
“I’m good, Daddy. Just can’t wait to see you when you get back.”
“I’m leaving here in a minute. I’m going to pick up dinner and I’ll be there shortly. I love you, baby.”
“Thank you. I love you too and I’ll see you soon.”
I end the call and find myself drifting back to sleep. When I wake up, Chris is back with trays of all of my favorite foods.
“There’s so much food! What is all of this?”
“I didn’t know what you were in the mood for, so I brought a little of everything. Eat it all, sample a little of everything, or just pick the one you’re craving the most. It doesn’t matter, baby girl. Whatever you want.”
It’s so like him to do something like this that I’m not even a little surprised.
“You have to eat with me. I need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.”
“I took care of myself for a long time before you came along, sweet girl. This is all for you.” I bat my eyes and pout, so he pulls two forks out of the bag.
“Oh, Daddy. I almost forgot to tell you. I have a surprise coming for you later this week too.”
“As if everything you went through today to give me this little bundle of joy wasn’t enough? What else could you possibly have for me?”
“Don’t be mad. I was looking for Connor’s shot record on your desk, and I found something else.”
“What did you find?”