Don't Call Me Daddy

Lawson returns with the nurse, almost on cue, and she takes my vitals. My mom stays until that is done, but when they bring my breakfast, she decides to go to the cafeteria to get something to eat herself.

“I’m sure you’ll be out of here in no time.” Lawson helps me sit up so I can eat.

“I ruined our weekend.” I look down and sigh. “I’m really sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize.” He shakes his head. “It’s not how I expected things to go, but I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with you. I also got to meet your mom.”

“She seems to be as impressed with you as I am.” I laugh as I reach for my fork.

“I have that effect on women.” He shrugs. “Can’t help it; they like me.”

“Don’t get arrogant.” I give him a nudge with my foot. “If you hurt me, she’ll c

ut you.”

“Oh, I figured that out when I introduced myself.” He laughs. “But if you want to talk about people who will cut you, wait until you meet my daughter.”

“Is that what we’re doing?” I raise an eyebrow. “Meeting the families…”

“It’s probably too soon, but I don’t care. You mean everything to me. I want everyone in my life to meet the woman who taught me how to smile again.” He nods.

Challenges are inevitable. Our relationship is still new. There are so many things that we haven’t worked out yet. Despite all of that, I can’t find a single reason in my heart not to keep falling in love with this incredible man. I’m sure we’ll fight again. Hopefully, I won’t end up in the hospital after the next one. The only thing that matters is that we learn from it. That we find our way back to each other after the hurt has worn off.

I spent so long living in my fantasies that I almost lost touch with the real world. Now I see that it can be so much better than a fantasy. Having him here with me means more than playing dress up or calling him Daddy. He’s proven that he’s willing to explore my needs, and I have to do the same for him.

Right now, the only thing I want in the world is to be the woman he holds close.

The woman he loves.

The woman who loves him.

Epilogue

Lawson

It’s been eight months since Ainsley’s accident. Time has blown by so fast it feels like it was just yesterday that she was a criminal trashing my office. Every day that passes makes me love her even more than the one before it.

We don’t get to see each other as much I would like. She kept her word, went back to school, and that keeps her busy. I pass the time without her by diving headfirst into work, but I don’t get consumed with it like I used to. I know how to shut that part of my mind off when I get a chance to be with her.

Like this weekend. She’s on her way to see me, and we have something planned that makes me a little nervous.

“We’re still on for tonight, right?” Bram lightly taps on my door and walks into my office.

“Yeah.” I look up at him and nod. “I got a text message from Ainsley a few minutes ago. She should be here in a couple of hours.”

“Awesome, I know Kiana is looking forward to it.” Bram sits. “It’s the first time she’s left the house since the baby was born. She’s going a little stir crazy.”

“I’m sure.” I glance at the picture of my grandson that is right next to the one from Bram and Kiana’s wedding. “It’s never easy to leave them alone for the first time.”

“No, but it has to happen eventually.” Bram smiles. “Thanks again for stepping up while I was out. You did a great job running the company.”

“Dan was a big help.” I nod. “He kept me sane when I was seconds away from losing my mind entirely.”

“He does have a way of doing that.” Bram chuckles. “Speaking of Dan, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What’s that?” I raise an eyebrow.

“How would you feel about him becoming a partner? He’s been here as long as we have and knows about as much as we do.” Bram shrugs. “Seems like he deserves it.”