has trouble telling his daughters no. I can tell that about him already. Carina will be no different. She’ll have her father wrapped around her finger.
And he’ll charm her too. I see how warm he is with his kids. Outside, he talks to them casually. He doesn’t look bored as if he wants to escape. Desi is out there talking off his ear, and he just grins and asks questions. The three girls stick close to him too. They’re charmed by his easy warmth.
And I know exactly how they feel.
BRONCO
The swimsuit plan goes in the trash once Desi and Sidonie decide to play on the pool steps. Soon, they’re soaking wet and bouncing in the shallow end. My daughter keeps glancing at the back windows to see if Lana is watching. I feel that deep pain in my chest when I see how desperate she is for a woman’s attention.
“Don’t cry,” Summer says while we stand by the grill.
“Your sister tired me out last night.”
“Should have kept your dick zipped up. Then you wouldn’t have so many problems.”
Shooting her a frown, I mutter, “If we didn’t have guests, I would drag your mouthy ass to the pool and toss you in.”
Summer smiles big, giving me a look that she probably learned from her aunts. “But we do have guests. Poor Daddy.”
“Fuck it,” I say and reach for her.
Howling like a banshee, she runs for the door. I’m sure she’ll tell a wild tale of me threatening her for no damn reason. My sisters will pretend to believe her. She’ll get a cookie, and the moment will end with her vindicated.
After switching the outdoor music to Alison Krauss, I walk over to a chair next to the gate around the pool. The girls wave excitedly as if they haven’t seen me in a long while. Desi is such a happy kid, and her calm spreads to the often-anxious Sidonie.
“You shouldn’t threaten your angelic daughter,” Lana says, walking out to join me near the pool. “Her heart is too fragile for such antics.”
Chuckling at Lana’s eye roll, I shrug. “Don’t let her fool you. She’ll roughhouse like a boy. But she also pulls that girl shit to get out of work. Last summer, she was on her period for three months straight.”
Lana offers me a warm smile and then waves at the girls who are still bouncing.
“They couldn’t wait until next weekend,” I explain, and Lana nods. “Where’s Carina?”
“In her crib. I showed Mom the nursery and asked where she wanted to sleep. She said she didn’t care. I think that’s code for she wants the big bed. Desi can sleep with her while I stay in the nursery with Carina.”
Though my mind instantly flashes to how Lana would be more comfortable in my bed, we’re not there yet.
“How did you pick Carina’s name?” I ask, trying to stay focused on safe topics.
“It means beloved, and I thought it sounded pretty. How did you choose Summer and Sidonie?”
“Summer’s mom chose hers. I didn’t have any say in the matter. Not that I have a problem with it. Just wasn’t my choice.”
Lana leans closer to whisper, “Kenny wanted the name Desiree. I wasn’t a fan because I knew a bitchy girl in school with that name, but he wore me down. That’s why I call her Desi.”
I try not to think of her ex since I’m less charming when pissed. “Sidonie was the name of Barbie’s high school friend who died in a car accident. Since my sister was never going to have a daughter, I let her pick the name. I felt strange choosing a name for another person. What if they don’t like it?”
“Like Maude?” she whispers and grins.
I share her smile, wanting to kiss her happy lips. Before I can enjoy a quick taste, I spot someone that’ll kill my charm offensive.
“Where’s the baby?” DeAnna calls out as she and Wyatt appear from the house.
Exhaling roughly, I look at my nephew’s redheaded wife. I’ve always wondered why he fell so hard for someone who never saw a situation she couldn’t make worse.
“Carina’s sleeping,” I say and then introduce Lana and Desi.
Sizing up Lana, DeAnna offers one of her vicious bitch smiles. “You’re exactly what I expected when I found out about your job.”
Lana looks confused before smiling. “You mean, hot. Yeah, most of the girls at the club are attractive.”
DeAnna narrows her eyes, but Wyatt ignores her. “Mom said the baby has Barbie’s nose. When can we see her?”