Page 43 of One Hot Daddy

My chest swells with pride at my son's simple declaration.But it's Jennifer's face that captures my attention---the way her expression crumbles with relief, the tears that finally spill over her cheeks.

"You really want me to come home?"she whispers, her voice breaking on the last word.

"Yes!"all four children shout in unison.

I move closer, gently extracting Henry from her so I can take Jennifer's hands in mine."We had it all wrong, love.They weren't upset about us being together.They were scared you'd leave them like Claudia did."

Jennifer searches my face."And now?"

"They've made it quite clear that I'm a complete pillock for letting you walk out that door," I say, earning giggles from the children."They want you to stay---and so do I.This family wouldn't be whole without you, Jennifer."

She leaps into my arms.

Chapter Twenty

Jennifer

I fling my arms around Fletcher's neck while my feet dangle above the floor.I kiss every inch of his face while the kids grin and giggle.When I finally step back onto the floor, I'm crying and laughing at the same time.Fletcher pulls out a handkerchief to dab my eyes dry---and he doesn't even flinch when I blow my nose like a foghorn.

Fletcher seems baffled by my behavior, and I don't blame him.But his confusion swiftly melts into a sweet smile as he brushes his thumb across my cheek."Hush, love, don't cry."

"They're happy tears.I know it's silly, but I just---I never expected this."My voice catches as I gaze at the children's faces, full of so such hope."I thought I'd ruined everything, but you guys showed me how much I love this family and want to be a part of it."

Fletcher sets me down, clasping my hand as he turns toward the children."I think it's time we all went home.Don't you?"

"Yes, definitely."Home.That word has never felt more right.

Henry claps and whoops."Can we get ice cream on the way?To celebrate?"

"It's not even dinner time yet," Fletcher says, but his stern tone doesn't match the smile tugging at his lips.

"This is definitely an ice cream occasion," I counter, earning whoops from the kids."I'll even treat everyone including the grandparents.I'll let them know by text."

"Why not caramel fudge ice cream cake instead?"Charlotte asks hopefully."We could eat it at home."

"That sounds perfect," I agree."But I suspect Henry will get ice cream cake all over his face."

The boy in question grins."Yeah, I think so too."

As I gather my purse and the few things I had unpacked, Amelia approaches me hesitantly.She's hanging back from the others with her arms crossed in the protective stance I've come to recognize."Please don't leave us again, Jennifer."

"Never, ever again."I give her a quick squeeze."You have my word.It would take a tornado to tear me away from you guys."

Fletcher looks at me, though he speaks to the children."Well, what are we waiting for?Ice cream cake awaits!"

As we drive toward the ice cream parlor, the kids all start singing a kid-friendly pop song.Even Josh gets into the fun.The ice cream shop is about to close by the time we get there, but the owner takes pity on us.He gives us a ready-made cake that looks absolutely scrumptious.

Once we're back at home, we enjoy our celebratory treat.The children don't make any messes at all, which seems like a miracle sent down straight from heaven.Now that they have full tummies, they all head for the rooms and crawl into bed, falling asleep quickly.

The grandparents returned to their homes.

Fletcher and I abscond to our room and fall asleep before we can even think about making love.

For the next five weeks, we take time to get used to the new dynamics of our family.It's wonderful.

Today, Fletcher makes pancakes for the whole family.The kitchen smells like butter and syrup, and the morning sunlight streams through the windows, turning everything golden.It's Saturday, which means no rushing around for school or work.Just us, together.Our little family.

"Careful with that batter," I warn as Henry tilts the mixing bowl at a dangerous angle."Your dad will have a fit if we have to clean the ceiling again."