Page 122 of Zone
“What…?” My hands are on my baby girl’s torso, and I lift her onto my chest.
She squeals, patting me with both hands, chanting “Ba-ba-ba!”
Austin strolls up beside me, reaching out to pat her little back. “That’s what Callie said before she could sayDada.”
My chest swells, and I realize she wasn’t asking for her mom or a bottle or a ball. She wanted me. She knew I was her dada from the first time we met.
I smile, kissing her little baby head. We’re so fucking happy. She puts both of her little chubby hands on my mouth, and I pull one of her little fingers between my lips before holding her up and shaking her little body side to side.
It’s our old trick, and she breaks into her baby belly laugh. The family surrounding us breaks intoawws,and I lower her to my chest again, hugging my arms around her and closing my eyes.
“Cricket,” I exhale with relief. “Daddy’s here.”
I notice someone touching my arm, and I reach out to pull Melody tight to my side. “Come here.”
I’ve got both my girls right where they’re supposed to be. Right here in my arms, and I never plan to let them go. Kissing her head, I inhale deeply the scent of vanilla.
“I’ve been waiting on you all fucking day.” I groan. “I’ve missed you so damn much.”
“I missed you,” Melody says, lifting her chin to speak in my ear. “I couldn’t wait to bring her to you.”
“I don’t deserve you, Mel.” I look down to meet her beautiful eyes. “How can I ever make this up to you?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “Just keep being the good guy you’ve been so far, and I’ll be happy.”
Reaching down, I slide my thumb across the top of her cheek. “I plan to be a helluva lot more than that.”
Her lips press into a smile, and her expression warms. She reaches up to hold the side of my face, and I lean down to capture her mouth, pulling her to me and sliding my tongue against hers.
Of course, my cousins cheer and a few diners cat-call. The Dare Night service must’ve ended, because my mom jogs up to my side, holding out her hands.
“Give me this beautiful baby!” she cries.
Cricket doesn’t even hesitate, lunging out of my arms and straight into Mom’s. My mom squeezes her little body close, doing that same bounce she did from that very first day she was at my house, holding her granddaughter.
“I knew you could do it, honey.” Mom reaches out to squeeze my arm. “I never doubted you for a minute.”
My eyes narrow, and I still want to give her shit for ditching me when I needed her most. At the same time, if she’d stayed, things might not have played out the way they did.
And she sent Edward.
“Thanks, Mom.” I lean down to kiss the top of her head. “I was pretty pissed at you.”
“I know.” She continues hugging her granddaughter to her chest. “But that’s how you learn and grow. I knew you could do it.”
“Up next is a special dedication for one of my favoritenephews.” Craig is back on the mic, and this time, he’s pointing at me. “Knox and Melody, this one’s for you.”
Somebody hits the spotlight that shines on the disco ball, and the music changes to an old, old song I only remember from my parents playing it when we were kids. It’s a one-hit wonder by the artist Elvin Bishop, and I reach for Melody, pulling her into my arms and swaying side to side. She feels so good against my body, but it’s not until the chorus hits, “I fooled around and fell in love,” that she falls back with a laugh.
“Perfect,” she says, and I lean down to kiss the side of her cheek.
“My family has an encyclopedic knowledge of music…” Then I remember Haddy’s mom, Aunt Raven. “And movies.”
Melody lifts her chin. “Looks like we’ll fit right in.”
I hold her around the waist, bending down and lifting her up. I can’t seem to get her as close to me as I want… which is basically fused.
“Damn, I missed you,” I groan in her ear.
