Page 60 of Intimately Faithful

He wanted her.

Needed the love from her. And he needed to give it.

He wanted what she represented and that was a life together.

Her and Misha. He wanted them both.

Already the little one squealed seeing him and reached out her chubby arms in delight.

Aoife stalled seeing that Danny wasn’t alone. He read her face easily that she was nervous, possibly embarrassed she’d interrupted him.

She made to turn. “Aoife. Come here to me, sweetheart.” He held his arm out and just like that, she flashed him the prettiest smile and scurried the few feet that separated them and was pressed into his side.

“I didn’t know you were busy,” she whispered. “I missed you.”

“Not busy. Come and meet a friend of mine.”

Whatever Aoife used to be or was now, she was never indifferent, so when he tried to usher her forward her skinny-girl legs stopped him in his tracks. He looked down and saw her fire-red cheeks. “I’m in my PJ’s, Danny!”

“It’s nothing Robert hasn’t seen before, come on.” He grinned and heard the man himself chuckle standing to his feet.

Emotions spilled all over her pretty face and the urge to dip down and kiss her freckles was a strong one he didn’t ignore.

She was his girl. Beginning and end.She was his girl. She was his girl when he was just a boy, and she was his girl now he was a man who followed his faith.

“You look beautiful.” He told her huskily and watched her melt as the baby batted her little hands against his chest, needing attention too. “And so do you, little one.” He kissed the top of her fluffy hair.

“The lovely Aoife I’ve heard so much about,” Robert started with a smile. Danny felt her hand tighten on the back of his shirt. “This is Robert. He’s a right one for cheating at cards, though he insists he’s just that good and he’s married to a saint who puts up with him.”

“Don’t believe a word this young Irish rogue says, he’s just butt hurt I take his money.”

“You … you both gamble?”

“Usually for cookies. Sometimes Almond joy bars.”

“Addicts love their sweets,” Danny filled in for her with a grin as he held her closer. The feeling of rightness didn’t rush past him. He reveled in just howgoodshe felt as he introduced her to the other most important person in his life.

She caught on to what he was saying. “Robert is also my sponsor.”

“Sponsor. Best friend. Taxi service. Coach. Referee and overall champion of poker.” Offered Robert making Aoife laugh. “It’s so lovely to meet you finally.”

“Hi. Eh. Hi, nice to be meeting you too.”

“And who is this tiny darling? Mariah will want to meet her, spoil her, and knit every item of clothing known to man.”

“This is Misha.”

“Lovely name for a lovely girl, hello little Misha.” The baby clung to Danny, burying her face into his neck, causing a riotous chest thumping with pride that she’d want him. “I’m going to leave you with these two ladies.”

“You didn’t say why you came.” Danny said. His fingers flexed on Aoife’s hip in case she had the bright idea of slipping out from under his arm.

“Can’t I just drop in and see you?” Robert smiled, buttoning his coat. If the man was psychic, Danny could gather his friend had dropped by just at the right time because he knew Danny needed him.

“You can, but you don’t usually.”

“Bring Aoife and little Misha over for dinner one night soon. Once I tell Mariah, you know she’s going to be on the phone constantly anyway.”

“We will soon.”

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