Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aurora nod at him.
He was up.
Drawing a deep breath, he looked at the little girl who’d captured his heart the first time he’d laid eyes on her. How did he do this? What did he say?
“Leah…” His voice cracked and he couldn’t bring himself to be embarrassed. He cleared his throat. “Leah, I’m your daddy.”
She blinked. “Why couldn’t we find you?”
Leave it to his kid to be smart about it.
She’d stumped him. How did he answer in a way she’d understand and accept? “It’s a long story. But I’m here now and I want to do all the things I missed. Like Daddy Donut Day.” He looked to Aurora for help but she was smiling…and leaving him to fend for himself. “Would you like that?”
Leah climbed to her knees and looked him over. “You’re really my daddy?”
He nodded.
Next thing he knew, she’d jumped into his lap and wrapped her little arms around his neck. “I missed you, Daddy.”
Jesus. Had anything ever felt so good? He hugged her back and glanced over her shoulder. Aurora watched them, tears in her eyes.
Before either could speak, Leah released him. “Can I open presents now?”
Oh, to be a child, and let things flow in and out so easily, he thought.
“Bring me a pen and paper so I can make a list of who gave you what. You’ll need to write thank-you notes,” Aurora said.
Leah had already run for the kitchen.
“Check the junk drawer and go potty before you come back in!” Aurora turned to Nick. “You did well,” she assured him.
“I’ve never felt so much pressure in my life. Not to mention, she’s a sassy little thing. Like her mom.” He grinned and Aurora laughed aloud.
“Listen, before she comes back, I have a question for you. I know I said I’d give you plenty of time to get a sitter, but is there any chance you can get someone for tomorrow night?”
He wanted time alone with her.
Hands on time.
She bit down on her lower lip. “I can manage that. Leah wants a sleepover at her grandma’s anyway.”
And that reminded him—he needed to talk to her about setting up a time for their daughter to meet his family. But right now, he had his work cut out for him. He intended to give Aurora a night she’d never forget…just before he broke the news that he had another business trip coming up that he couldn’t put off.
* * *
Aurora must have lost her mind. Why else would she have agreed to join Nick on a scenic helicopter tour of Manhattan right before sunset? They’d taken a limousine from her house to Westchester County Airport, where they’d been given a safety briefing before boarding for the private tour for two.
Nick had told her to dress comfortably and casually, so she wore a pair of dark jeans, a light blue tank and a white jean jacket in case it was cool—something she ended up grateful for once they took off.
She’d been shocked when they pulled into the airport and even more surprised at what he had planned. Waiting for her inside the aircraft was a bottle of champagne and two small cups along with a bouquet of white roses. They wore headsets, which allowed them to talk and hear the pilot narrating as he flew.
She’d expected an upscale restaurant and intimate conversation, which she’d been preparing for all day. To say she was blown away would be an understatement. The man had gone all out to give her a special night.
Nick reached over and took her hand. He remained silent as they looked out the windows at the gorgeous orange and yellow view of New York City highlights. They took in Central Park and Yankee Stadium, along with the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. She was floored by the view of the Manhattan skyline and squeezed Nick’s hand the entire time he was pointing things out, feeling closer to him than ever before.
When the helicopter portion of the night was over, she grasped her flowers, he picked up the champagne they hadn’t yet opened, and walked back to the limousine.
Once they’d climbed into the back, the driver shut the door behind them. Although Aurora had misgivings about getting romantically involved with Nick, everything about the evening had set her up to simply relax and enjoy it. Since she rarely took any time for herself, she pushed her worries to the back of her mind for the night. Tomorrow would be here, soon enough.
“Have fun?” he asked.
She nodded. “It was spectacular,” she murmured. “I’m still fairly new to New York, and haven’t seen all the sights yet. But to see them just as the sun set…” She sighed. “I’m grateful for the experience. Thank you for it, as well as the flowers and champagne.”