Page 76 of Peaches & Pistols

“Don’t you think it’s a bit soon?” Mia frets, wringing her hands in a way that makes my own fingers ache.

I reach across the table to capture her hands and rub them until they’re warm and pliant.

The girls are getting themselves dressed for the day, leaving Mia and I in the first moment of peace since their little eyes popped open this morning.

“If you want to wait to tell the girls about us, we can wait.”

Mia’s comfort is a top priority, but I’d be lying if I said I wanted to wait another minute to publicly claim this woman. Kids are intuitive, and I’d rather get ahead of their suspicions and ease them into the new state of our blended family.

“No. Yes. I mean…I don’t want to wait. But what if it upsets them? What if Harper likes me as her nanny but not as a step-parent? What if—” I stop her spiral when I release her hands and get down on one knee at her feet.

“I have a story to tell you.” I take one of her trembling hands and cradle it in mine, massaging her palm with my thumbs.

“After what was likely the best day of Harper’s ten years of life, I was tucking her into bed. She recounted every special, magical detail she loved from the birthday party you so lovingly planned. Every friend, decoration, treat, and gift. But safe in her bed, ready to dream riding that unicorn, do you know what she wished for?”

“What?” she whispers.

“She wished you would be her mom.”

Mia’s free hand flies to her mouth, barely containing a sobbed gasp.

“She told me Everly loves you so much and that she’d love you that much if you were her mom. She in no uncertain terms, said that if you were her mom, I could be Everly’s dad.” I choke up at the thought.

Tears softly track down her rosy cheeks.

“Honey, you have nothing to worry about. You’re desperately wanted in this home and in this family. If anyone should be worried, it’s me.”

I’ve got to win Everly over to ask for her mother’s hand and pray she might someday see me as a father figure.

“She really said…she wishes…I was her mom?” Mia says through sobs.

“Her exact words were ‘I wish Mia was my mommy too,’ and now they’re branded onto my heart.” I take her upturned palm and press it to the organ beating wildly in my chest.

“And…you want me to be Harper’s mom?” Mia asks, nervously biting at her lips.

“You’re a phenomenal mother to Everly and have been everything Harper’s needed. I would be honored for you to be Harper’s mom.” Tears flood my eyes, and I do nothing to stop them from falling.

“I’d love that, Greyson, so much. I love your little girl like she’s my own.”

“I know you do, honey.” I stand with a groan, fuckin’ late thirties are killing me.

Sitting back in my chair I pat my lap and motion for her to come sit with me. She does without hesitation, looping her arms around my neck.

“Do you want to be Everly’s dad?” Mia asks hesitantly. “I know our situation is different, because Carter’s still in the picture whether I want him to be or not.”

Not for long he won’t be, if I have anything to say about it—but I’ll keep that close to the vest until the time comes.

“Honey, if she’ll have me, I’ll protect that little girl to the ends of the earth. She’ll never want for anything, or question how much she’s loved. There’s no greater gift than being her dad.”

Mia drops her face into my neck, releasing years of pressure from being a single parent. She’ll never face the weight of doing it alone ever again. I’ll show up for my girls every day I have left in this life.

Her breathing slowly returns to normal, and she dramatically wipes her tears on the shoulder of my shirt, making me laugh.

“Glad I could be of service as your handkerchief,” I jest.

“You’re a really good tissue.” Her laughter puffs my chest with pride. Making this iridescent woman happy is the ultimate privilege.

My hand rubbing her back finds its way to grip the back of her neck.