She smiles big and bright before jumping off the couch and looking up at him. “Are you my daddy?”
Alex gets down on one knee in front of her. “I am. My name’s Alex, but you can call me whatever you want.”
Dakota launches herself at him, and he catches her with ease. She hugs him tight—at first, he doesn’t hug her back, maybe it’s shock, but suddenly he wraps his arms around her.
I don’t bother wiping the tears that slide down my cheeks away. I was prepared to do this alone forever but had hoped to find him somehow. Dakota pulls back and smiles at Alex. “I have a daddy,” she whispers, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Ahem, you do, sweetheart, and I can’t wait to get to know you better. You look just like your aunt Mara when she was your age.”
Alex stands up with Dakota wrapped around him and turns to me. “Whatever you’re cooking smells delicious.”
I give him an easy smile. “Thank you. I hope you like spaghetti and garlic bread.”
“I love it.”
“I’ll show you around.” I lead him down the little hallway that leads to our bedrooms. First, we stop at our daughter’s its decorated in pink and lavender butterflies. It is totally girly and totally Dakota. “As you can see, she loves butterflies.” We step out and I point to the open door across the hall. “That’s the bathroom and my bedroom is there.”
We head back into the living room and I realize that he still has his coat on. “Let me help you with your coat.”
I come up next to him. “Come here, baby girl. Let’s let Alex take his coat off.”
Dakota shakes her head. “No, I want Daddy to hold me.”
As much as it warms my heart that she’s already accepted this man, it also makes me a little jealous. I know it’s stupid, but she’s only ever wanted me. I reach between their bodies and unzip his coat. He adjusts Dakota while I slip his coat off one arm and then Alex adjusts her again for me to pull his coat off.
I place it over the back of the chair. “Come sit and we’ll eat. Kota, show your daddy where you sit.”
I take a deep breath, thankful that they already seem taken with each other. It makes my heart full when I watch Alex carefully place Dakota in her booster seat and per her orders, she pats the seat next to her that’s at the head of the table.
“Alex, what would you like to drink? I have water, milk, or Coke Zero.”
He smiles up at me. “Water please.”
After I get them their drinks, I grab the salad out of the refrigerator, and the bottle of dressing. Once I get everything else out, I set it down on the table.
“This looks delicious.” Alex says as he grabs Dakota’s plate and puts some spaghetti on it and garlic bread. “Should I cut her food up smaller?” he asks me.
I nod, “Yes, please. She uses a spoon and it’s easier when the pieces are small.”
When we all start digging in, no one speaks, but that’s probably because we’re stuffing our faces. I notice Alex watching Dakota while she eats and when he looks up, I don’t even bother hiding the fact I am watching him, watching her.
“This is delicious,” he says before taking another huge bite.
“Thank you. She’s a bit of a picky eater so I’ve gotten really good at making the meals she’ll actually eat.” I’m nervous, therefore I’m babbling.
Alex turns toward me. “You’re a nurse, right?”
I can’t believe he remembered that. “I am. I work in the recovery room at the hospital.”
“That’s great.” He looks at me with intense eyes that makes my belly flip. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“I know, what are the odds that when I moved us from Chicago, that we landed here?”
I watch in utter fascination as Alex strokes a hand lovingly down Dakota’s hair. She tips her head back and smiles up at him, spaghetti sauce covered lips and all. “I never thought about having kids,” he says softly.
“Me either.” I reach out, stroking my daughter’s cheek. “You’re Mommy’s girl, aren’t you?”
“I am,” Dakota grabs my hand and kisses it. Ugh . . . she’s such a sweetheart, I can’t stand it. Of course, I mean that in the best way—she loves to show people how much they mean to her. “Thank you, baby.”
When she’s finished eating, I get her wiped off. “Kota, why don’t you take your daddy into the living room. I’ll clean up in here.”
“I can help.” Alex grabs his and Dakota’s plates.
“No, it’s okay. Seriously, go visit.” I watch as he helps her down and hand in hand they walk into the other room.
Chapter Seven
Alex
I close the book and set it on Dakota’s nightstand. My daughter, my little girl, sleeps soundly with her head on my chest.
Tonight, after dinner the three of us played Hungry, Hungry, Hippos and then we watched a cartoon called Peppa Pig, the whole time she explained the show to me. She was very animated while she talked to me.
Aspen watched us with a small smile on her lips. I’m so glad that she let me get to know our daughter. I suppose this could’ve gone badly, but I’m thankful it didn’t. When it was time for Dakota’s bath, I declined helping. I was unsure of the rules, but Aspen told me to do whatever made me comfortable, especially for now.
I’ll admit when I got here, and she opened the door I wanted to swallow my tongue. She was even prettier than I remembered. All night my fingers have itched to sift through her silky looking locks, but I’ve refrained.
I didn’t want her to think she was obligated to me in any way. There was no denying the spark between us though. I caught her looking at me so many times I lost count.
Once Dakota was ready for bed, she dragged me into her room to read her story after story, which brings us to now. I kiss the top of her head and roll her to the side. Very carefully I climb out of her little bed and then shut off the lamp.
I find Aspen sitting on the couch, reading her e-reader. When I walk back in, she smiles up at me. “Did she fall asleep?”
“Yeah, when I started the second story.” I sit down on the other end of the couch, turning so I’m facing her. “I’d like to start paying child support. I’m not sure how to get that going, but I will. I’d also like to spend as much time with her as you’ll let me.”
Aspen turns so we’re facing each other. “We can definitely discuss child support, but just know, we’re doing fine—no we’re not rolling in it, but I’m able to provide for her.”
I shake my head, “No, I’m not saying you can’t. I just want to help.”
“I know that. I was just telling you that we haven’t suffered financially. As far as spending time with her, I’m fine with that. I’d like to be there at first, just until I think she’s comfortable.”
I stand up. “Of course. I’ll call tomorrow night.” Aspen follows me to the door. I slip my coat on while I stand here. “She’s beautiful.”
“She is. Dakota is the best thing I’ve ever done. Be prepared for her to smother you with love. Our daughter may only be three, but she loves with her whole heart.”
Before I can stop myself, I reach out, tucking a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. She blushes beautifully and it makes me want to kiss her . . . wait what? Fuck, she’d think I was a straight up creep if I did something like that.
I open the door. “Talk to you later.”
“Sounds good. Bye, Alex.”
I wait until the door shuts and hear the deadbolt engage before I walk away. I climb into my truck and make my way home.
Nelson grabs his coffee and we grab a table by the window. “So, what’s this big news? I know it has to do with the chick from your Santa gig.” I’m sure one of my brothers opened their big mouths.
I take a sip of my Café Americana. “Remember the Pearl Jam concert at Wrigley? It was four years ago.”
He nods, “Yeah, that was a good fucking show. You hooked up with that hot, young piece.”
“Yeah, man. Well that was h
er at the school. W-We have a daughter—I have a daughter.” I open my photo app and show him the picture of her and I together on the couch at her house. “She looks just like Mara.”
Nelson grabs the phone. “Holy shit. She could be her clone.” He’s been my best friend since he moved to town when we were in fifth grade. He tried to take my lunch money, and I punched him in the nose—we were inseparable after that. “Had she been looking for you?”
I shake my head. “No, she had no clue what my last name was or where I was from. It was pure chance that we saw each other again.”
“That’s incredible. I’m going to be her favorite uncle, just so you know.” He leans back in his chair. “What happens now?”
“I’m going to spend some time with Dakota, get to know her. I also told Aspen I’d help financially.”
Nelson smiles before taking a sip of his coffee. “Alex James is a fucking dad. Holy shit, I can’t believe it.”
“I know. My mind has been going a million miles per hour since I found out. Tomorrow night Mom wants everyone at their place for family dinner. I’m bringing Aspen and Dakota so they can meet everyone, officially. You’ll be there too, right?” He’s always been included in all our family stuff, but then again, I’ve always been included in his.
“Of course, I’d be an idiot to miss Mom’s delicious cooking.”
The rest of the time we sit here we shoot the shit about work and his terrible taste in women. He’s always been into the badge bunnies that are only into him because he’s a cop. I think he picks them because they are never serious relationships and usually only last a week or so.
“Well, Kelsey found out that I was taking Jeanie out and she showed up at my apartment, ranting and raving about me stepping out on her and finally I had to threaten to arrest her for harassment. “
I’ve enjoyed women, and sex, but I’ve always been picky. I’m not going to pick someone up just to fuck—well, okay that’s what happened with Aspen, but that somehow felt different.
When we step outside, we part ways, him heading toward his police cruiser and me heading toward my truck. Hopefully, everyone is welcoming to Aspen and Dakota tomorrow.
Chapter Eight
Aspen
My butterflies in my stomach take flight as I look at my phone and see that Alex should be here to get us any time. We’re having dinner with his whole family tonight and I’m scared to death.
What will they think of me? Do they know that our daughter is the result of a one-night stand?
I roll my eyes because again, this isn’t about me, it’s about Dakota getting to know her family. I’m just there to be with her. I need to forget the fact that when Alex tucked my hair behind my ear, I felt tingles run down my spine—the good kind.
I smooth out the non-existent wrinkles of my red V-neck, fitted sweater. I decided on black jeggings, and my black mini UGG boots. Keeping it simple, I left my hair down in soft waves, hanging down my back.
After a quick spritz of my vanilla, brown sugar body spray I head back into the living room where Dakota is sitting on the couch, watching the Disney channel. I put her hair in two curly pigtails.
She wanted to pick out her own outfit so Dakota decided on her red leggings with Christmas trees all over them. Her top is a simple long sleeve green t-shirt, and she’s wearing a black fake fur vest over it.
Dakota did want to wear her red glitter slip-ons, but it’s too slippery outside so she settled on her black boots with fake fur coming out of the top.
There’s a knock on the door and she flies off the couch running for the door. “Baby, let Mommy get it.” Luckily, she skids to a stop just behind me. Alex smiles when he sees us when I open the door. “Hey.” I tell him as I hold the screen door open for him.
“You look beautiful.” He says as he steps inside.
Dakota runs past me. “Daddy.” She jumps right into his arms. “I miss you bery much.”
“Well, I missed you too. Are you ready to go meet the rest of your family?” He smiles at her and kisses her cheek.
“Yes! Momma we has a famiwie.” Her joy is palpable, although I don’t think she knows entirely what’s happening.
I smile at Alex and kiss Dakota’s cheek. I don’t correct that she’s the one with new family—she’s too young to understand.
He helps her with her coat, while I grab mine and my purse. When we head outside, I turn to Alex. “Should I get her booster seat?”
“Nope, I bought one today. When I dropped Tiny off at my parents’ house, Mom came out and helped me install it.” With an ease that surprises me, he buckles our daughter in.
“Um . . . who is Tiny?” I ask before opening the passenger door. Alex helps me up and in.
“He’s my dog, and just to warn you, he’s big.” He shuts my door and I watch him walk around the front of his truck. I ignore the woodsy scent of the inside of the cab or the way it makes my nipples harden.
His parents live in a gorgeous ranch style home that is decorated with twinkle lights. A huge, lit Christmas tree takes up the huge front window. When he pulls into the driveway, he shuts off the truck and hops out.
I do the same and go to the back, getting Dakota out. Alex scoops her up into his arms and my girl gives her daddy a huge smile.
She loves him so much already, it scares me. What if he decides he doesn’t want to be involved with her anymore? It’ll break her heart.
“Asp, you okay?” I realize I’m standing by the passenger door staring into space. Alex’s gaze runs over my face.
“Ahem . . . yeah, sorry. Just a little nervous.”
He doesn’t look like he believes me, but I give him a, what I hope, is a reassuring smile.
Dakota breaks the tension. “Les go.” We both smile at her and then make our way to the door.
Once we step inside, we’re bombarded by his family. My daughter is soaking up all the attention she’s getting. It’s a little overwhelming and I just stand back, smiling as Dakota gets hugs from everyone.
“Hi.” I turn to find Alex’s dad standing beside me. “I’m sure this is all a little overwhelming.” God is every male in this family gorgeous?
“Yeah, it is, but that’s okay because look at her, she’s just soaking up all the attention.” We both look at Dakota and I don’t miss the smile on his lips.
Brock surprises me by wrapping his arm around my shoulders and leads me toward everyone. Alex comes over and pulls me from his dad’s arms, leading me down a hallway. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“It’s just a little overwhelming. It makes me miss my dad.” My eyes begin to burn thinking about him.
“Where is your dad?”
“H-He actually died when I was nineteen.” I sniff and turn my head.
Alex pulls me into his arms, hugging me tight. I want to hold myself stiff, it’s better if I don’t hug him back, but I do anyway. “I’m so sorry,” he says quietly.
“Me too,” I whisper. “He was the best and stepped in when Mom split.” I let out a shaky breath, and then step out of Alex’s arms, giving him a smile. “Can I meet your family?”
He looks me over and then holds out his hand. “Let’s do it.”
Chapter Nine
Alex
Tonight couldn’t have gone better. Earlier, I led Aspen around introducing her to my brothers, Tyler kept flirting with her, and I finally slapped him on the back of the head, telling him to knock it off.
Dakota was a ham and soaked up all the attention she got from her uncles and aunt. Uncle Jonah said they didn’t want to overwhelm Aspen and Dakota, and they want to have them over to meet, soon.
Once everyone met, Dad went to get Tiny from the back yard. The moment he came trotting into the living room he saw Dakota, coming right to her. I held my breath while I waited for her to react to my huge dog. What if she feared him, and she wouldn’t come to my house if he was there?
I didn’t have to wait long though, because she threw her tiny arms around his neck, hugging hi
m. “Tiny, you my best fwiend.”
Mom and Dad both wore matching smiles while they watched their interaction. The rest of the night, wherever Dakota was, Tiny was nearby, keeping an eye on his girl.
Dinner was loud and chaotic, but Aspen jumped right in to help. She chatted easily with everyone, especially Nelson, when he showed up. Of course, I did not like it when he played with the ends of her hair while we were eating dessert.
Nelson is a natural flirt, and I know he wouldn’t go there.
Now, Tyler and Cameron went out for the night. Mara, Mom, and Aspen are talking quietly in the dining room while drinking coffee. Nelson and I are sitting on the couch and Dakota is asleep on my dad’s lap.
Tiny is, of course, lying right next to Dad’s recliner.
“I like Aspen.” Nelson says quietly. “Your daughter is freaking adorable.”
I nod because he’s telling me something I already know. She was on fire tonight, telling little stories about school, telling them about Aspen, and then making up stories about Tiny.
Dad said that I was the same with the original Tiny when I was four. I love that things have kind of come full circle.
We don’t stay too much longer. It takes Aspen a minute to wrestle a sleeping Dakota into her coat. I pick her up in my arms and we give hugs and kisses on our way out.
Tiny hops into the back, lying on the seat with his head on Dakota’s lap. Aspen is quiet on the way back to her house. “I know my family can be a little overwhelming. That’s why my uncle Jonah and aunt Jessica didn’t come tonight. They didn’t want to bombard you—we’ve been summoned there for dinner one night soon . . . if you’re up for it.”
Aspen turns her head and smiles at me. “That sounds great. We’re putting our tree up tomorrow night, do you want to come over? We could order pizza and you can bring Tiny.”
“I would love to, thanks.” Once we get to her house I get out and help her get Dakota in the house while Tiny waits in the truck. When I know they’re okay, I head to the door. “See you tomorrow.”
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