Love Survives (Love's Suicide #2)(96)

“Can we please be a family again? I’d really like to get to know my niece, and Melissa misses you. She thinks you hate her.”



I found Kat a little later after they’d both come back downstairs with the rest of us. Before she could tell me what they talked about I kissed her softly. “Do you feel better?”

“Yeah, I actually think I do.”

“So I’m your hero, huh?”

“You were listening?”

“I’d like to call it protecting,” I said sarcastically.

“Well, as you could hear, I had it handled.”

“Yeah, you sure did. I’m proud of you, Kat.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.”





Chapter 47


After everyone seemed to chill out, especially Kat and Branch, I felt like it was a good time to run out to the store with my dad. Even though they had arm floats for B, I thought a swim ring would be better, so she could float around on her own and feel independent, while still being safe. She also needed another bathing suit, from rubbing her butt on the concrete her other one had gotten nasty in the rear.

It was nice driving through the familiar community with my dad, reminiscing about my childhood, and places I’d been.

“You don’t talk about overseas much,” he mentioned as we sat at a red light.

“There’s nothing good to say about it. I watched a lot of people die. It sticks with you even when you leave. I was one of the lucky ones, dad. A couple of my friends weren’t so fortunate.”

“I figured. You know, your mom and I watch a lot of news about what’s going on over there. It was rough knowing we couldn’t do anything to help you.”

“Yeah, about that. I’m sorry I didn’t write. When I was away I wasn’t myself. I had demons that kept me from expressing myself. I didn’t have anything good to say. I still don’t. I love this country, but what I’ve experienced will haunt me. I’m just glad I have Brooklyn because even on my worst days I know I can look at her and smile.”

“She’s beautiful, son. She’s by far the best thing that’s ever happened to this family. We understand why Katy stayed away. I just want you to know how glad we are that you’re both back. I hope you consider moving closer, otherwise I can see your mom looking at real estate a little more south.”

I let out an air-filled laugh. “It’s nice down there, but I think in due time maybe we could settle back here, where we both grew up. Brooklyn would benefit. I have a feeling I’m going to like taking her to museums and other significant places around the area when she’s old enough to appreciate it.”

We pulled into the mall parking lot, but never got out of the car. “Is everything okay between the two of you, Brooks? I see that you’re both overjoyed to be together, but I get this feeling like there’s something you’re not telling us. Is she pregnant again? Are you having money trouble?”

“You and I both know Kat is good on money. In fact, we’re both doing well as far as that goes. There’s nothing you need to worry about, dad. My little family is perfect.”

“Maybe I’m just overreacting because it’s been so long.”

I put my hand on my dad’s shoulder and looked him directly in the eyes. “My little girl needs us to hurry back so she can swim. Let’s go try to pick out something Kat and Mom will approve of.”



By the time we arrived back at the house we’d been gone for nearly an hour. Nothing had changed. Branch and Melissa had become obsessed with my daughter. I found them both on the floor playing dolls as if they’d turned themselves into toddlers. Kat was sitting on the couch behind them, seemingly interested in the whole interaction.

B saw me and came running. “Daddy!”

I happily picked her up into my arms, kissing her sweet cheek. “Hey, pretty girl. Daddy missed you.”

“Me go to pool,” she asked.

I knelt down and opened the bag that contained her new suit and swim ring. “Look what I got you?”

She grabbed the suit and spun around. “Put it on. Put it on.”

It delighted me to have this bond with my own child. I loved her so much that I couldn’t contain the happiness that radiated off of me when she was near. “Let’s go upstairs and get your swim pants on first. Mom-mom won’t be happy if you poop in her pool.”

Kat had mentioned that she was trying desperately to potty train her. On some days she did well, but with all this excitement she’d been right back to needing a diaper all the time again. I wasn’t worried about it. With my help we’d make it happen.

I caught Kat staring off into the distance. She assured me that she was only thinking about her own father, but I wondered if she was telling me truth. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t think Kat had a habit of lying to me. The circumstance with Bobby rubbed me the wrong way, so if she was worried about that she’d keep it to herself. I gave her a kiss before turning all of my attention to our beautiful little girl.

She kept repeating the same words again, reminding me that she was waiting. “Put it on. Put it on.”

I scooped her up. “Let’s go get pretty and show everyone that Daddy knows how to shop.”

Her little red bikini with ruffles was the cutest thing on her. I let her wear my glasses for her big reveal. I could tell immediately that Kat was pleased with my selection. “Yook at me. I pwetty,” B announced.