29. Daphne
Daphne
I look over at the man who I love more than my next breath.
I honestly didn’t know men like him existed, but I’m so glad they do—and that he is mine.
He’s going back to Corbin this morning and I’m already missing him.
It wasn’t planned. There was an emergency meeting.
A member named Apex was shot late last night.
The club has no idea who did it or why. Sabre is in charge of club security, so he needs to go back and check everything out.
He’s going to meet with them and then come back with more clothes, because he’s not leaving me and Cammie alone—especially now.
I told him we’d be okay, but he just looked and me and said we’re his family and he will live here and commute back and forth to Corbin, until I’m ready to move there.
The club is leaning towards Apex being shot because of someone he got involved with.
Which would mean it’s not club related, but Eli is still having member come down here and watch over us while he’s gone.
I’ve decided not to fight it. There’s somedays you just need to pick your battles.
For me, I know Eli is doing this because he wants me and Cammie safe.
That is special. It means a lot. So, there’s no point in fighting about it.
Besides, I know he’ll worry less and be careful while he’s away if he knows we’re safe.
It’s a heady feeling knowing your man cares so much that he wants you protected when he’s not able to be there.
“What are you thinking, Skittles?”
I laugh at that silly nickname. “I was just thinking you’re going overboard having me and Cammie with what essentially amounts to a bodyguard, but I’m not going to argue about it, because I know it will keep you from worrying.”
“And this is why you’re the perfect woman,” he murmurs, leaning over to press his lips to mine—way too briefly.
“Daddy, you kissin’ Mama!”
Eli pulls back to look at me, giving me a wink. “That I am, Pixie, and now, I’m thinking it’s about time I blew raspberries on my favorite daughter’s belly.”
Cammie’s eyes go round and then she starts giggling.
When Eli stands up, she takes off running—cackling as she goes.
He fake runs to chase after her. I decide to follow so I can snap a picture on my phone.
I use the video and tape him following her, catching all her squeals that are mixed with laughter.
He picks her up as they get to my bedroom, gently tosses her on the bed, before leaning over to tickle her and blow raspberries on her belly.
She laughs so hard that she starts crying out.
“Daddy! Daddy! I gotta pee!” I click from video to camera.
I wait till she starts to get up, Eli leans down and kisses the top of her head and the look of love on each of their faces is so strong that it brings tears to my eyes.
I snap the photo, promising myself that I will have it put on canvas soon.
When Cammie runs to the bathroom, Eli comes to stand beside me. “Have I told you that I love you yet this morning, Skittles?”
“Only ten or twelve times. It was much more yesterday,” I say with a smirk.
The doorbell rings, and I grimace looking at Eli. “I’ll be back tonight. You’ll barely have time to miss me, sweetheart.”
“Lies,” I whisper. “I already miss you.”
“I know the feeling,” he says, taking me into his arms. He hugs me tightly for a minute. “Cammie, I have to go. I’ll see you when I get back this evening and we’ll have dinner together.”
I open the door to see one of the guys who have cut my lawn before. “Hey, I’m Crank,” he says with a relaxed smile.
I let out a small laugh. “I remember you. You’ve been mowing my grass. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s one of the better jobs we’re given to help earn our cut. Besides, you always make sure we have a great lunch. Those peanut butter cookies you sent with us last time are still the talk of the clubhouse. We shared, but I’m kind of wishing we hadn’t. I barely got any.”
“Well, while you’re here babysitting me and Cammie, I’ll have to make you some more.”
“Hey, we’re getting married. Why are you baking for him and not me, huh?” Eli asks.
I look up at the impossibly sexy man who has my daughter on his shoulder, while she plays with his hair.
I walk to him immediately and wrap my arms around his waist. “Because peanut butter’s not your favorite.
I already have some red velvet ones made for your trip.
You have to share them with Dad though.”
“If I have to,” he says with a wink.
“Man, I’ve gotta take a picture of this,” Crank says, taking out his camera. “The guys back at the clubhouse are never going to believe how much of a 9-to-5’er you look, Pez,” he says.
I don’t know if it’s because of me being beside him or why, but Pez holds me closer and lets Crank take the picture without a fight. “Text that to me Crank. I want a copy to keep,” Eli tells him. Then with a sigh, looks at me. “I’m going to have to go, Skittles.”
“Oh, God, do not tell me you gave your old lady the nickname Skittles. Skittles and Pez. Shoot me now,” Crank mocks, dramatically.
Pez shoots him a look, but Crank ignores it.
Pez places Cammie down on the counter and looks down at her softly.
“I’ve got to go for a bit, pretty girl. I’ll be back for dinner though.
Maybe we can talk Mommy into pizza or chicken nuggets when I get back.
” Cammie proving that she’s her mother’s daughter, fights tears.
“Will you huwwy back? Olaf will miss you if you don’t. ”
“I’ll be back for dinner. I promise. You be a good girl for your mommy, promise?”
“I pwomise,” she says solemnly, as she hugs Eli.
I don’t like saying goodbye to him either, but we hug as he whispers he loves me, kisses me, and then heads to the door.
“Guard them with your life, Crank,” he orders. Crank nods and he heads out. I have to fight myself to keep from begging him to come back.
I’m totally in love with this man. My traitorous heart speeds up, worried that we fell too hard, too fast. I can’t change it, however. There’s no going back. I have to trust and believe in Eli, and I do. I honestly wouldn’t go back now, even I had a choice.
I’m completely happy.