Page 5 of 4ever Daddy

CHAPTER 4

Coltrain

My eyes have a hard time straying from where Gabriella slumbers peacefully in my bed. I recognize that I don’t have all her secrets yet, but I will, and once I do, I will ensure she has the life she deserves. Until that day comes, however, I have work to do. Houses to sell, and as much as I’d like to bring her with me today, I let her rest.

Leaving a note on the nightstand, I finish laying out her outfit for the day before heading out of the house.

My busy morning doesn’t allow for time to check in on Gabs while hosting an open house for two clients on the same street, so at lunchtime, I’ll get home for a taste of her. I denied us both last night because she had a lot to process, and I didn’t want her overloaded.

“Morning, Julia, Mark. Are we ready for today?” I ask the older couple looking to downsize and move closer to their grandkids in Tampa.

“More than ready.” Mark smiles down at his wife.

“Please work your magic today, Coltrain. We’re ready to get out of here and watch those babies grow up.” Julia’s wistful tone is full of energy.

“Go have breakfast, maybe grab some gifts for the kiddos, and by the time lunch rolls around, I’ll hopefully have an exciting offer or two on the table for you.”

They leave with a smile, confident in my abilities.

It doesn’t take long before potential buyers start strolling in, asking questions, and milling over the informational handouts I have displayed. An hour later, I’ve got three offers, and I already know which one Julia and Mark will accept—the newlywed couple, expecting their first baby in the fall.

Afterwards, I lock up and move on to the next house. This couple is looking for something bigger to expand their family comfortably. Before I’ve even opened the front door, I have an overwhelming offer for them, and we don’t bother with the open house.

When I’m back at my office, drawing up the contracts and proposals, I get a call from my daughter, Matilda. “Hey, sweetheart, how are you?”

“Where’s Gabby? She’s not answering her door, and Betsy next door told me she left with a man last night!”

I chuckle at the panic in her voice.

“She came home with me last night. She’s probably awake by now, but I’m taking her for lunch.” Or rather, eating her for lunch, but my daughter doesn’t need to know that part.

“Your house?” she whispers like I’ve told her something scandalous.

“Yes.”

“Does that mean…?” I hear the hope in her tone.

“If she lets me.”

She squeals, and I wince. “Oh my god, Dad! I’m so excited. Will there be a wedding? Of course, there will. Gabby will look beautiful in something white with gold detailing and a long veil.”

“I didn’t say there was going to be a wedding.”

At her pause, I can almost see her rolling her eyes at me.

“There will be.” Her confidence always amazes me. “I’ll do some scouting, make sure she’s got options. The beach, right? Right off your back porch, with tons of flowers. Sunset would be amazing.”

I shake my head at her rambling. I don’t have the heart to disagree with her right now.

“Why don’t you and Joshua come for dinner this weekend. You can talk to her then.” I escape with a quick goodbye.

Finishing up my paperwork, I get it sent off to my clients to look over before making my way back home to Gabs.

It’s selfish to think she’s waiting for me in bed. I told her to explore the house and grounds and make herself at home. But given how well I already know the woman, I’m sure she’ll hesitate to leave her mark on a house she doesn’t feel is hers.

As I park in the driveway, I’m pleasantly surprised to find Gabs working in the garden, her sunshine-yellow dress billowing lightly around her thighs as she digs in the soil, plucking weeds. She wipes the sweat off her brow with her dirt-encrusted hands.

“Gabs,” I growl as I stride up behind her.

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