“Yes, honey.”
“Then I say yes, yes, yes.”
“You’ve made me very happy, Kimmie, so I think a big birthday party will be in store for you in our new home with Mr. Sean and Mr. Matt.”
Chapter Seventeen
Three days later, Sean carried a big box from the trunk to the house. “Last one, sweetheart.”
Jena held out an ice-cold beer for him. “You tired?”
“No. I’m good.” She, Kimmie, and her mom had been on the run from Carl for so long, the three didn’t have many personal possessions. That’s going to change. I’m going to give them the world. He set the box down on the floor and took a sip of the beer. “Where’s Mom?”
“She’s watching television in her room.” Jena kissed him. “She loves it here. Kimmie does, too.”
“Where is the birthday girl?”
They’d had a small party for Kimmie in the hospital room on her actual birthday, but now they were going to celebrate it Destiny style.
“Matt took her out on the porch. They’re playing tea party.” Jena grabbed his hand. “I have something I need to talk to you about.”
The seriousness in her tone got his attention instantly. “I’m listening, baby.”
“Kimmie came to me this morning and crawled into bed with me. You and Matt were making breakfast. She told me she loved you and Matt so very much. After a few kisses and cuddles, Kimmie asked me if I would be okay if she called Mr. Matt and Mr. Sean ‘daddy.’” Jena’s eyes widened. “Would you be okay with that?”
“Okay? I am thrilled she wants to. God, I never dreamed I would have this kind of life.” He laughed. A perfect life filled with joy, laughter, and love. He pulled Jena close, kissing her.
Without a word, he headed out the back door with Jena to Kimmie and Matt and swept his daughter into his arms. “Matt, do you know what this sweet girl told her mommy this morning?”
“What?”
“She wants to call both of us ‘daddy.’”
Matt stood and took Kimmie, giving her his own hug. “Little one, you’ve just made me and Daddy Sean the happiest men in the world.”
Jena came up beside Sean and put her arm around his waist. “We’re a real family now.”
“Yes, we are, sweetheart. Now and forever.” After a little more invisible tea for all of them, Sean turned to Jena and Matt. “We need to head to the Knight’s place in a couple of hours.”
“I can’t believe Megan is doing this for us.” She winked, keeping the secret from Kimmie.
Jena didn’t know the half of it. She thought that Megan was throwing an impromptu birthday party for their daughter. She expected a small gathering, but one thing about Destonians that Sean had come to learn was they loved a party, and especially over-the-top ones. The whole town was likely to be at Kimmie’s birthday party.
When they came back into the house, Matt took Kimmie to her room to pick out an outfit. Earlier, their little princess had already taken Sean to see her choices for the day, which had only been narrowed down to five at the time. He grinned, hoping Matt would have better luck getting her to choose one.
He and Jena went to see how they could help Mom get ready.
She was sitting on the bed, holding a mirror, staring at her reflection. “Oh, Jena, how can I meet your new friends looking like this?”
“A little makeup will work magic,” Jena told her mother.
“Mom, everyone here will understand what you’ve been through.” Sean held the hand of the wonderful woman. “You’ll find the people of this town are not judgmental in any way.”
She set down the mirror and held up her arms, each having its own splint. “I know I have to go. I’m just embarrassed. My face looks like a big fat ape’s.”
He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Not a chance, Mom. You’re a nice-looking woman. Besides, you’ll soon forget your injuries because you’ll be having so much fun.”
“Sean, thank you for everything you’ve done for Jena and Kimmie…and for me. You and Matt are the best sons a woman could ever hope for.”