Page 120 of Armor

---

All these years later, and my woman was still taking my back.

***

Five Years Later

I cheered as my daughter pedaled her bike on her own, a smile on her face.

Then, well... I also pulled my gun out and shot the tire of the bastard that got too close to my girl outside the clubhouse sidewalk.

Creedence burst into laughter.

We didn’t offer to fix the damage.

***

Creedence

Five Years Later

I looked at my husband, who was beaming with pride as our daughter got the terrific kid award.

Then I watched as my daughter looked at her dad and winked.

I giggled.

He looked at me and said, “Thank you.”

I frowned, “What are you thanking me for?”

He looked at Belle, then back to me, and said, “For never giving up on my pathetic ass.”

I melted, “You're my heart.”

He leaned forward and kissed me so softly.

And uncaring of anyone who it bothered, he bit my bottom lip.

I shifted in my chair.

His eyes flared.

Thank goodness the windows in the Tahoe were tinted... after.

***

Garret

One Year Later

On days like this, I thought back to the day Creedence was placed in my arms.

She was so fucking small.

A preemie.

I never told a soul about this but Cotton.

They gave her a few hours to live.

---