Page 62 of Keeping Katie

Yeah, that’s just one of the reasons he’s qualified. He might be old and weathered, but his instincts are still there.

“Aye. We’re Irish, but the Italians are our allies, and there is a peace pact in place among all the US syndicates. Makes things kind of boring sometimes, but we make more money that way.”

Tom chuckles. “I don’t know how much use I’d be, but I’ll do it if it means helping to keep Katie safe. She’s a good girl.”

I let out a deep exhale. “She’s the best girl.”

“You’re a good man, too, Grady.”

Raising my chin to look at him, I shrug. “I wouldn’t say that, but she makes me better.”

“You’re a good man. I knew it the first time I saw you with her. She needs someone like you in her life.”

He’s not her father. His approval shouldn’t matter, but it does. Her father respected Tom and asked him to look out for her, so in a way, it feels like I’m getting her father’s blessing.

“Thank you, Tom.”

We sit in silence for several seconds.

“I came here for another reason,” I finally say. “I’ve recently purchased a house as an investment, and I’d like you to live in it. It will be part of your compensation for working for us.”

“I do just fine now,” he replies.

I was worried this part would be more of a fight. At least by offering a job, he’s giving me something in return for money. But offering him a house probably feels like a handout to him.

“I know you do. But Katie worries about you, and she’d feel better knowing you’re in a safe, warm home. This is something I’ve done for dozens of low-income families and veterans. I buy homes and rent them to people who deserve them. You deserve this house. I also think it would mean a lot to Katie if you lived in this house.”

“Why’s that?” he asks, lifting a brow.

“Because it’s the home she grew up in.”

The corners of his lips slowly widen into a smile. “You bought her parents’ house. She know about this yet?”

“No. I plan to tell her today. After I get you to agree to live there. She can’t get mad at me for buying it if it gives you a roof over your head, right?”

He’s quiet for a beat before he slaps his thigh with his good arm and laughs. It’s deep and gravelly, but it uncoils the anxiety in my stomach.

“You’re good,” he says.

I grin at him. “I know how to get what I want.”

His response is to laugh harder.

By the time I get home with breakfast, it’s later than I’d planned. Tom and I talked for a while longer, and I gave him more details about the job. The doctor came in and said he’d be discharged this afternoon. Perfect timing since I have furniture being delivered to the house this morning for him.

Katie’s sitting cross-legged on the floor in the living room, leaning against the couch with some papers in front of her and a cup of coffee in hand. Her hair is messy, and she’s still in my T-shirt. She’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

As soon as she sees me, her eyes light up, and I feel like a fucking king. I hope she always looks at me like that. I hope I can be the man who deserves to have her look at me like that. I wasn’t lying when I said she makes me a better man.

“Hi, baby girl. Sorry, I took a bit longer than expected.”

I sit on the sofa next to her and lean down for a kiss. This is what life is all about. Moments like this. It’s not about money or status or any of those materialistic things. It’s this, right here.

“I missed you,” she murmurs against my mouth.

“I missed you too. I think from now on, neither of us should go anywhere without the other.”

She giggles and rolls her eyes. “Nice try, Daddy.”

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