Page 45 of One Hot Daddy

I think my eyes are literally bulging."I don't think your father would like that."

The man I adore slides his arms around my waist from behind."You are correct, love.High-speed, high-flying acrobatics are not on the menu."

Despite the children's disappointment, we all come up with some genuinely kid-friendly ideas for having fun today.We settle on two adventures---the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, and the Durham Museum.Both establishments offer plenty of hands-on fun.

By the time Fletcher leaves for work, the children are so excited that we head for our first destination right away, ordering breakfast through a drive-through window at a local fast-food joint.

Now it's time for today's adventure.

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum turns out to be a perfect choice.The kids race from exhibit to exhibit, their enthusiasm infectious as they explore everything from vintage aircraft to space capsules.I trail behind them, smiling as I watch Henry pretend to pilot a fighter jet while making elaborate whooshing sounds.

"Look, Jennifer!"Charlotte calls out from across the room."This plane is older than you!"

"Thanks for that reminder," I call back, earning snickers from Josh who's studying a display about the history of flight with his usual intensity.

Even Amelia seems genuinely interested, though she tries to play it cool as she examines the cockpit of a restored bomber.I catch her taking a selfie when she thinks no one's looking.

"This is actually pretty awesome," she admits grudgingly when I join her.

After we've explored the rest of the exhibits, we drive to our next destination---the Durham Museum.It's a completely different experience from the aerospace museum.This converted train station offers a grandeur that immediately captures all of us.The soaring ceilings and restored art deco details make me feel like I've stepped back in time.

"Whoa," Josh breathes, his neck craned back to take in the massive chandelier."This place is lit."

Keeping up with the slang of the younger generation gives me a headache.But fortunately, Josh tells me that "lit" means something is really good.

Henry immediately gravitates toward the working soda fountain."Can we get ice cream?Please?I promise I won't ask for anything else today."

"You literally just had breakfast two hours ago," I remind him, but I'm already calculating whether we have time for a treat.

The museum's interactive exhibits prove to be just as engaging as the aircraft displays.Charlotte becomes fascinated with the old-fashioned general store, carefully examining every vintage product on the shelves.Amelia finds herself drawn to the fashion exhibit, though, the expression on her face tells me she's genuinely interested rather than just humoring me.

"These dresses are actually pretty cool," she admits, running her fingers lightly over a display case containing a flapper dress from the 1920s."Can you imagine wearing something like this to school?"

"You'd certainly make an impression," I laugh, imagining Amelia's dramatic entrance to her high school hallway.

By the time we come home, the children are yawning and need a nap.Even Josh and Amelia are sleepy.I doze on the sofa, rousing only when I hear Fletcher's car coming up the drive.As the front door clicks shut, my eyes flutter open, and Fletcher leans over me for a kiss.

Oh yes, I love my life.

Chapter Twenty-One

Fletcher

After twelve days of working nonstop at the hotel, coming home only for dinner and sleep, I finally have a chance to decompress.Half my staff had been sick.The temps I hired needed more training than I'd hoped would be the case.Now, I'm lying in bed with Jennifer---and listening to her softly snoring.It's adorable.

In the morning, I hug my rug rats and then say goodbye to Jennifer.I'd love to kiss her, but I'm in a hurry.I slept in slightly too long, and now I must drive a touch faster than usual to avoid being late for work.Once I've gotten situated in my office and have my chair adjusted correctly, I bring out the piles of paperwork that have turned into a precarious mountain on my desk.

I've just picked up my pen when my mobile phone rings.I recognize the name of the caller instantly and pick up on the second ring."Hello, Dominic.How is jolly old England today?"

"Bloody fantastic.But that's not why I rang you."

"You had more than time-zone discussions in mind, eh?"

"Time zones?"Dom chuckles."No, Fletch.We have an invitation for you and your new love.The little monsters will enjoy it too."

I blow out a sigh."Is there a point to this conversation?I am at work, you know."

"And as uptight as ever, eh?"Dom clucks his tongue."I rang you because Florry and Patty are worried about you.Apparently, you've become severely uptight."