Page 44 of Tempted By the Single Dad Mechanic

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When we break apart, Morgan stretches and yawns.

"We need to finish packing," she says. "We're supposed to leave by nine."

"I know."

"Riley's probably going to insist on bringing half her stuffed animals."

"Definitely."

"And you still need to load the cooler in the car."

"It's on the list."

She sits up, the sheet pooling around her waist, and I try not to get distracted by the fact that she's wearing one of my old t-shirts and nothing else.

"Casey."

"Yeah?"

"You're staring."

"Can't help it."

She laughs and throws a pillow at me. "Get up. We have things to do."

I catch the pillow and pull her back down, kissing her again, deeper this time.

"Casey," she protests, but she's not actually trying to get away.

"Five more minutes."

"We don't have five minutes."

"We'll make time."

She's about to respond when we hear the telltale sound of small feet padding down the hallway.

"Daddy? Morgan?"

We break apart just as Riley pushes open the door, her hair a mess of dark curls and her favorite purple pajamas rumpled from sleep.

"Morning, baby," I say. "You're up early."

"I'm excited!" Riley announces, bouncing on her toes. "We're going on a TRIP!"

"We are," Morgan confirms, sitting up and patting the bed. "Come here, you."

Riley scrambles onto the bed between us, snuggling into Morgan's side like it's the most natural thing in the world.

And it is. It has been for a long time now.

"Are we really going to see the mountains?" Riley asks for probably the hundredth time this week.

"We really are," I tell her.

"And we're going to stay in a cabin?"

"Yep."

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