CEO Daddy (Crescent Cove 6.50)

“We need weekly check-ins,” I said impulsively.

“Now that you are growing a human, I think that’s a certainty. But we really do miss you, Hannah Banana.” Rachel smushed her cheek against her sister’s and they both made guppy faces. “We miss you. And we’re definitely coming to visit this summer. I did get an internship, so it won’t be the whole summer.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m actually going to work on a cruise ship for two months out of the three.” Emma made a face. “I know it’s probably going to be terrible, but I think it’s the only way I’ll get to see some of the world until school is over. I thought about taking a year off—”

At my stern expression, she laughed.

“But I don’t want to lose a whole year. A few months of being locked in a sardine can should be enough.”

I’d heard horror stories about cruise liners, but I knew that had to be more of an outlier kind of thing than the norm. I had to trust that Emma knew how to take care of herself.

> “Look at you biting your tongue.” Emma’s laughter was addictive.

I couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, and that there’s a way to get out of working there if it’s awful. I don’t care what it costs, I’ll get you home if need be.”

“That’s because you’re the best.”

“All right. Let me go check on Asher and Lily. It’s far too quiet up there.”

“I’m really happy for you, Han. He seems pretty awesome. Even if you are sleeping with your boss. So scandalous.”

“Thanks, Rachel.” I shook my head. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with him. We’re taking it a day at a time.”

“Well, don’t take too long. That man is super fine, and some other girl will be ready to swoop in. He’s hot with all caps.”

“Thanks, I think.” I was still afraid to label anything about us. Even if I did find myself looking forward to his arrival each afternoon. Lately, he was often coming home with a smile and jumping in to help in the kitchen.

How many times had he shooed me out of the room to play with Lily, just so he could give me a break? He wasn’t avoiding her anymore. Sometimes when I was trying to figure out a recipe, he’d even take Lily to his office for some time together. I’d found them curled in his reading chair on more than one evening after dinner.

So much was changing, most of it in good ways.

I swallowed hard and focused in on my sisters. “I love you.”

Rachel’s eyes misted. “We love you too.”

Emma looped her arm around her sister’s neck. “We miss you and expect reports in between calls. And we’ll be sending you more names.”

I laughed. “I can’t wait.”

They waved and then they were gone. I blinked away the wash of tears. I missed them so much, but I was so proud of the women they were becoming. Both of them overachievers. Emma was still waffling about what major she wanted to stick with, but Rachel had a plan in place. She was going to be an architect, creating sustainable energy housing.

Our parents would be so proud of them, especially our mother.

I dashed away the wetness and finished folding the baby clothes in peace and quiet. I’d have to figure out what we were going to eat now that a picnic was not part of the game plan. Maybe the three of us could go get a pizza in town. I was a little sick of my own cooking at the moment.

I tucked the basket of clothes under my arm and headed upstairs. A soft, pleasant male voice came in clearer the closer I got to the top of the stairs. It was a country singer, but I couldn’t name which one. I was more of a rock and pop kind of girl.

Asher’s office door was open. Lily’s was closed. I quietly went to check on her. She was sleeping with her arms splayed over her head. Totally out for the count. That was her exhausted sleep stance. Considering she’d been fighting her morning naps lately, I wasn’t unhappy to see it. That meant she’d be out for a little bit.

Maybe we could call Bess over for a date night. No picnic, but perhaps we could salvage the day.

I set the basket of clothes on her changing table and back out of the room, then followed the music. I found Asher setting grapes and brie on a plate. Sort of. The grapes kept rolling away, but I had to give him an A for effort. Especially since he had a bottle of sparkling grape juice in an ice bucket set up on a huge gingham blanket spread in the middle of his office floor.

He’d pushed his desk back and stacked the boxes of equipment that kept showing up every few days. Two pitchers were overflowing with spring flowers. Crayola-colored gerberas and daisies, even a handful of soft yellow and pink tulips. There was an honest to God picnic basket sitting at the edge of the blanket. White linen napkins and silverware were set next to the plates.

I even saw an apple juice box peeking out of the cooler he’d tucked behind the basket. He’d thought of everything.