He lurched up, certain she’d hurt herself. But no, the little spitfire charged out of the room, elbows pumping, behind swaying. Paisley followed.
On her way out, Hailey cast him a look over her shoulder. “You coming?”
He realized he was just sitting there, watching them leave. Despite the uneasiness creeping up his spine, he said, “Of course. Let me get dressed and brush my teeth.”
Her grin flashed bright and happy.
Once they were gone, he closed his eyes and let the fear swallow him whole.
Because it struck him that he’d earned their affection. Their trust.
They felt safe and comfortable with him.
And that’s when bad things happened.
His nannie’s words always ran on repeat in the background of his mind, but right then, the volume turned up.
You’re going to get yourself killed one day. You’d just better hope you don’t take someone with you.
It was so unsettling, it got him out of bed and into the bathroom. As he grabbed the toothbrush, he caught his reflection in the mirror.
He’d hurt people. It wasn’t just Booker. It was Kevin and Danny, too. He got attached, he got swept up in a good time, and then he inevitably took things too far.
But the thought of letting Hailey and these girls go…no. I can be better.
I’m not a kid anymore.
He closed his eyes.
I don’t want to fuck this up.
* * *
Hailey cracked the last egg and dropped it into the bowl.
At her side, Paisley started whisking. “Like this?”
“Yep. Just like that. Keep beating while I pour the buttermilk, okay?”
At the table, Evvie created a design out of chocolate chips. For every piece she set down, she stuffed another into her mouth.
“Can we open presents now?” Paisley asked quietly. “Please?”
“We have to wait for Cole and grand—”Whoa. She’d been about to call Trevorgrandpa. Where had that come from? She had to be more careful. She couldn’t mislead the girls and get their hopes up. What if the PI found someone?
If he did, she’d have to give all this up. “We’re waiting for Cole and Trevor, sweetie.”
“What’s taking so long?” The little girl had a hint of petulance Hailey had never heard before.
“Well, Cole’s brushing his teeth.” She glanced at the clock. “And Trevor should be here any minute.” It wasn’t even seven in the morning.
“I don’t want breakfast.” Paisley dropped the whisk. “I want presents.”
“I know you do, and we’re not eating yet. We’re just getting the batter ready. I promise, as soon as the guys get here, we’re all over those presents.”
Cole came into the kitchen wearing navy blue Brawlers sweatpants, a white Brawlers Henley, and leather shearling slippers. Paisley jumped off the step stool, and Evvie slid off the chair. Both girls raced over to him. “He’s here, he’s here.” Paisley clapped her hands excitedly. “We’re opening presents now.”
“Is my dad here?” Cole asked.