Page 14 of Blackmailed

“You’re perfect,” Royce said, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Are you really happy, Daddy?” She finally met his gaze with her tear-filled hazel eyes.

“I am, sweetheart. I’m very happy. I loved your mother so much, I felt as if I’d crawled into her coffin and died with her.”

She gasped. “Oh Daddy, no.”

“It’s true. I did. Then, Jochi helped me. The world has color again. I can breathe a little bit more. I can see the sun—feel its heat. I’m free.” Jochi’s arms tightened around him. “I know the juxtaposition of this relationship is jarring, though. I can’t honestly say I’d ever expected a male partner—mate or otherwise.”

“I can admit; you threw me for a loop.” Charisma smiled. “But if you’re truly happy, it’s all I want for you. It doesn’t matter who or why.” She glanced over at Jochi. “Welcome to our family, Father.”

“Now that we got the weepy bull—” Kalkin snarled. “Crap, out of the way, I feel like there is more you need to tell them.”

Jochi laughed. “He does.”

“I’m retiring,” Jefferson said. “We’re staying here. I will only return to D.C. to make final arrangements and make sure PBH can’t hurt anyone else.”

“This all so much. I need to sit down,” Charisma said, taking the first available chair. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. It’s time. I want to be here for you two and my—our grandbabies. I want to slow down with my life. I missed so much. I don’t want to miss anymore. However, before I do that, I have to finish my work.”

“Which reminds me,” Kalkin said. “No talking about business when we’re all together. Family rule.”

“Well, then, we’ll discuss it later,” Jefferson said. “For now, I would like to enjoy my time with all of you, relaxing and getting to know my grandchildren better.”

“Sound wonderful, bèndàn. I too would like to get to know everyone now that the snow leopard is out of the bag.” Jochi winked at him then laughed as his horrible joke.

“Oh God,” Kalkin grunted. “You’re like the others, sickening sweet and full of dad jokes. Gag.”

Jefferson laughed. “S’pose we are.”

The play turned out to be as adorable as he imagined it would be, if not more so. Mikey stood front and center when he said his line, welcoming the pilgrims to the first-ever Thanksgiving. A little girl with red hair and bright blue eyes stared at his grandson like he hung the moon and the stars for her. Jefferson chuckled to himself. The boy had a special spirit. According to the reports he had abilities, what, no one knew. It'd been why he was at the zoo. His sickness prevented his sale or else, who knew where he'd have ended up.

When they left the auditorium, Mickey raced through the crowd of people, the little red-headed girl in tow, her mother, Jefferson suspected, frantically trying to keep up with them while telling Mikey to slow down. The eldest Raferty, Mackenzie, hot on her heels as well. Mikey stopped right in front of Jefferson. His features were full of excitement. Pink tinged his cheeks. The little girl beside him seemed a bit winded and a little pale, but happy.

“Grandpa, this is my friend Abby.” Mikey gave her a little push forward. “She’s new in town with her mom.”

“Hello, Abby.” Jefferson smiled.

“’Lo, Mikey’s Grandpa.” She appeared a bit out of breath and Jefferson could see her heart pounding.

“Mikey,” Mackenzie growled. “You have to be careful with Abby, remember?”

The boy frowned. “Right. Sorry, Abby. Are you okay?”

The girl nodded. “PFA.”

Jefferson narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”

“Pretty Freaking Amazing,” she said without missing a beat.

A pink blush covered her mother’s cheeks. “You’ll have to forgive her. She’s a little weird sometimes.”

“Mumsy,” Abby said. “I’m not weird. I’m extraordinary.”

Humor filled Jefferson. “I’ll have to agree with her.”

“Frantic day,” the woman said. “The house was... Alive and I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself. Anyway, I’m Aurora and you’ve met Abigail or Abby for short.”

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