Page 86 of Her Sensual Protector

“He does not like it when I say nice things about him,” Gloria laughed.

“Some time we’ll have to get together, just the two of us,” Daisy whispered.

“That is a very good idea. Maybe next time, you can come over for our Sunday family dinner.”

“I would love to.”

Leo hustled Daisy out of the house and got her into the truck. “My mother loves you,” he grinned.

“She probably loves all the women you bring home.”

He gave her a confused look. “What are you talking about? You’re the only woman I’ve ever had my mom meet.”

It was as if the ground fell out beneath her. “Ever?”

He pulled her close, his hand wrapped around her nape so that their foreheads touched.

“Daisy, you’re it. Forever. Always.”

“Yes,” she murmured. “Forever. Always.”

Epilogue

Four Months Later, St. Regis Hotel

Daisy left the podium to thunderous applause. Daisy took one last look at the screen behind her. The final picture still up was of Abia wrapped in her mother’s arms, a stunning smile on her face as she held up one of her drawings. Hardly noticeable was the St. Christopher’s medal around her neck.

When the lights weren’t shining in her eyes anymore Daisy noticed that people were still standing up and clapping. Her cheeks burned. It was ridiculous. She walked down the steps and headed back to the large round table that held people she would never have expected to be dining together.

Leo held out her chair for her, and the applause didn’t stop until she sat down.

“You knocked them dead,” he whispered in her ear.

“If I had done that, they wouldn’t be standing,” she griped. “Make them stop.”

Alistair, who was on the other side of her, laughed. “No can do, Daisy, you’re the woman of the night.”

She took a moment to look around the ballroom and saw that people were finally sitting back down. Thank the Lord.

“You did good, Sis.” Jim was seated across from her, his pregnant wife next to him.

“Darling, I’m so proud of you,” her mother said.

“You have raised an amazing daughter.” Gloria Perez smiled at Alice Barrett.

“She ended up raising herself.”

“Heck of a speech.” Martin Perez grinned at her.

“Hear, hear.” His wife gave her a warm smile.

“I didn’t do anything, it was the people of W.A.N.T. I just got some donations and moved chess pieces around the board.”

“And she really believes that,” Leo said with a laugh. “It’s crazy.”

“Daisy is the most impressive woman I’ve ever known. She is the Maker of Miracles,” Ethan Squires said from the other side of Leo.

“I’ll second that.” Alistair stood up and raised his glass of champagne.