“Really?” Capri exclaimed. “How many cars do you think you’ve owned in all your life?”
I thought about it for a moment. “At least fifty, sixty maybe.”
Her eyes went wide. “Daddy, that’s a lot.”
“All those cars helped me figure out how to make an eco-friendly sports car.”
Capri nodded. “That makes sense. Can I help you in the garage with these that still need to be finished?”
“I’d love your help.” I gazed at Autumn. “Maybe your mom can help too?”
“Yesssss, Momma!”
“I think you guys can handle it on your own.”
She walked inside, and I turned my attention to our baby girl, trying to play it off like I wasn’t disappointed that Autumn didn’t want to help us.
The best part of my day was when I’d walk in the house, wearing jeans and a shirt covered in grease and motor oil, my hands covered in it too, and I swear the look in Autumn’s eyes had the power to bring me to my knees.
With a grin, I called her out, “Like what you see, kid?”
She instantly looked away, and I wasn’t going to let this one go. I came up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Julian! You’re all messy.”
“You used to love me all messy.”
She turned around, placing her hands on my chest. “That was when I wasn’t wearing a thousand-dollar dress.”
I smiled. “I’ll buy you a new one.”
“I don’t need you to buy me anything.”
“I know you don’t, but it doesn’t mean I won’t.”
“You need to take a shower.”
I grinned again. “You should join me. You know, to make sure I get everything off.”
“I have a feeling that isn’t the only thing you’d be getting off.”
I laughed and backed away, leaving her with the residual effect of my touch.
My appearance brought me back to another place and time when she undeniably loved me, immediately making me regret the choices I’d made when it came to us. I tried not to let my mind wander to any of that. She knew where I stood, and all I could do was wait for her to come to me. After today, I hoped it’d lead her in the right direction.
Into my arms.
My life.
Our future as a family.
Capri walked into my office, where I’d be making the announcement of Locke Enterprises going public.
“Daddy, what does going public mean?”
I smiled. My daughter’s thirst for knowledge resembled mine. “It means my company is going from a private entity to a public one where people can buy shares to make money.”
“Oh…” She scratched her head. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s a bit confusing. You’d have to learn about the stock market.”
“Daddy, will you teach me?”
“Of course, baby.”
“Good.” She nodded. “Because I want to be just like you.”
I beamed, hearing her say that made my heart soar every time.
“So you’re going to tell the cameras, and then what?”
“They’re going to ask questions.”
“What kinds of questions?”
“Number, stats, reports—boring stuff like that.”
“Are they going to ask you about us?”
“More than likely.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What are you going to tell them?”
“What would you like me to tell them?”
“Hmm…” She thought about it for a second. “I think you should tell them all about us.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Daddy.” She sat on my lap, playing with my tie. “Can I be in the announcement with you?”
“If you’d like.” At least one of my girls wanted to be seen with me.
Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Of course.”
“Yay! I’m going to go change into my pretty yellow dress!” She jumped off my lap and ran out of my office, almost running into Autumn on her way out.
“Why is she in such a hurry?”
“She’s—”
“Mr. Locke,” the reporter interrupted. “We’ll be ready to go soon.”
I nodded.
“You clean up nice,” Autumn coaxed, bringing my attention to her. “I’ve gotten used to you looking like you used to.”
“Do you still like me all messy, kid?”
She blushed, bowing her head. “Should we go over what you need to say?”
“No,” I replied, disappointed by her changing the subject yet again. “I can handle it.”
“Okay. I’m going to go answer a couple of emails. I’ll be back toward the end of the interview.”
“Or you could stay, be in the announcement with me.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’re right—it’s a great idea.”
“Julian…”
“What more of a family man can I portray with you sitting beside me? It’s what we’re aiming for, right?”
“Yes, but this is your business, and I don’t need to be involved in that.”
“I’d love to have you involved in everything. Including my company. All I have is for us.”
“Okay, Casanova, I’m going to get some work in. I’ll be back in a bit to check on how things are proceeding.”
Reluctantly, I let her go. What other choice did I have in the matter? At least our daughter would be present on one of the biggest days for my business. Capri hurried into my office, wearing a yellow sundress. Her hair was in pigtails, and she was holding the stuffed animal I’d bought her.