A Daddy for Her Daughter (15 page)

Did he really think that made any difference at all? Maybe she wasn't the only one who needed reassurance.

“There are other ways to have children. Or not. Whatever we decide about that, it won't change the way I feel. Ever. I want you. I always will.”

He pressed his cheek against hers, the way her mom had done just moments earlier. Only this time she felt moisture on her skin. Tears. And just beneath the salty tang, she caught the faint medicinal scent carried by hospitals everywhere, and Kaleb's musky aftershave.

But most of all, he smelled like Home.

EPILOGUE

T
HE
KITE
HUNG
suspended from the ceiling in Chloe's room.

Gone was the tiny twin bed in the revamped study of Maddy's old place. A year's worth of hard work and counseling on Kaleb's part had brought him to the place where his heart no longer clamped tight in fear whenever Chloe got one of her headaches or Maddy's asthma came out to play.

Even before he finished therapy, though, Maddy had allowed him to put a simple gold band on her left hand, a sign of faith that she believed he was there to stay. And he was. He'd moved them into his apartment. Jetta was probably the hardest sell, but even the cat had decided the new digs weren't all that bad. Especially with the catwalk Kaleb had installed on the veranda, which gave him a wonderful view of the city below.

Chloe was at school until four o'clock. They'd taken full advantage of that time together, since time was in short supply these days. He tightened the towel around his waist and surveyed Maddy's handiwork. She'd made his house a home. And not just for him.

Right on cue, a sharp cry shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Making his way down the hallway, he intercepted Maddy, a bottle already in her hand.

“We timed that just right, didn't we?” Her grin was aimed at the towel.

“I don't know if it was our timing, or if she was just having mercy on us.”

Together they went into the bedroom of another little girl. Rosa Jane. She wasn't theirs, but she'd already won over their hearts.

Kaleb wouldn't have any more biological children, but that didn't mean that he and Maddy couldn't provide love...and a secure home for children in need. They'd become foster parents, and Rosa Jane was their very first charge. If things went the way they hoped, she might even become a permanent member of their family.

Maddy picked the baby up from her crib and cuddled her in her arms. Trusting blue eyes blinked up at them as Kaleb put his arm around his wife's waist.

This was where he belonged. Here with Maddy, Chloe and whomever else fate might add to their home.

He kissed the top of her head, his heart brimming with a happiness he'd never dreamed possible. But she made it possible.

“Let me take her,” he murmured.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He gathered the baby and her bottle and settled into the rocking chair in the corner. Maddy leaned against the door and watched as Rosa Jane greedily sucked at the milk.

“I think we can throw away that oil can.”

It took him a minute to realize what she was talking about. He'd placed Roxy's oil can on a shelf in his office as a reminder to never let himself get rusty when it came to their relationship. “You never know. I might need it someday.”

“I don't think so.” She smiled and drew in a deep breath, letting it out in an audible sigh. “I think, Kaleb...I think we're going to be just fine without it. All of us.”

* * * * *

If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Tina Beckett

WINNING BACK HIS DOCTOR BRIDE
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ISBN-13: 9781488009846

A Daddy for Her Daughter

Copyright © 2016 by Tina Beckett

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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