Page 45 of Master Daddy

Mason chuckles, the sound low and warm. “I’ve got a surprise for you. But before you say anything, I’m absolutely not telling. It wouldn’t be a surprise if I did.”

I sit up straighter, curiosity sparking through me. “A surprise? What kind of surprise? Tell me!”

Mason laughs again and shakes his head, refusing to budge. “Nope. You’ll just have to wait and see, my darling boy.”

I poke his chest, grinning despite myself. “You’re mean. Teasing me after I just faced my toxic ex.”

“Mean Daddy,” Mason teases right back, kissing the top of my head. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’ve got plans for you. Surprise plans.”

As we slide out of the booth together, his big hand warm and steady on the small of my back, I feel lighter than I have in days. Patrick is gone—really gone this time.

And whatever surprise Mason has up his sleeve, I know it’s going to be good.

For the first time in my adult life, the future feels truly wide open and full of possibility.

With my Daddy by my side, I’m ready for the next step…

Chapter 14

Mason

The drive to the Hardrock Healing Club feels heavier than it should, but in the best possible way. My hands are steady on the wheel, but my heart is hammering like I just finished a max-effort deadlift set.

Luke sits beside me in the passenger seat, practically vibrating with excitement. He keeps glancing over at me with these big, hopeful eyes, biting his lip like he knows exactly what’s coming but is too scared to jinx it by saying it out loud.

“You’re terrible at hiding things, baby boy,” I say, reaching over to rest my hand on his thigh. “But you’re a wonderful soul. Don’t ever change.”

He giggles and covers my hand with both of his. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. This is just a normal trip to the wellness center. Totally innocent, right?”

I chuckle, squeezing Luke’s leg.

God, I love this boy.

The past few weeks with Luke have changed everything. He’s brought color and warmth and purpose back into my life in ways I didn’t even know I was missing. And tonight, I’m finally ready to make it permanent.

We pull into the parking lot as the sun is dipping a little lower, painting the timber building in soft oranges and golds. I park right out front and kill the engine. Luke practically bounces out of the truck before I can even open my door. I catch up to him, taking his hand as we head inside.

The familiar cedar-and-eucalyptus scent wraps around us the second we step through the doors. The place is quiet now—only a couple of other guests in the distance.

Perfect.

We check in quickly, then head to the changing rooms. I slip into my black swim shorts while Luke changes into a baby-blue trunk, a style I love so much. When we meet back in the hallway, He looks radiant. Skin still a little flushed from the day, eyes sparkling with anticipation. He truly is a boy like no other.

“Sauna first?” I suggest, voice low. “Get nice and warm.”

Luke nods eagerly and follows me into the medium sauna. The dry heat hits us like a wall the second we close the thick cedar door. We spread our towels on the upper bench and settle in side by side, shoulders touching. Sweat starts beading on our skin almost immediately.

For a moment we just sit there, letting the heat sink in.

Then I turn to face my darling boy.

“Luke,” I start, my voice rough with emotion. “I quit the rig. Officially. I called them this afternoon and told them I won’t be coming back. Not for this rotation. Not ever.”

Luke’s eyes go wide. He stares at me, lips parted in shock. “You… you did?”

I nod, taking both his hands in mine. “I want to stay here. In Hardrock Park. I want to build a real home. With you. I’m done disappearing for months at a time. I’m done putting my life on hold. I want every morning waking up next to you, every training session, every night holding you. I want it all.”

Tears glisten in my darling boy’s eyes. I slide off the bench and drop to one knee right there on the warm wooden floor of the sauna, still holding his hands. The heat makes sweat roll down my back, but I’ve never felt more clear-headed in my life.