Page 70 of Her Hat Trick Daddies
Her eyes light up as she snatches it from my hands. “Bow-zy baw!”
Leighton laughs, covering her mouth. “That’s right, baby. A bouncy ball.”
Then she glances at the three of us, as if deciding. “Wanna show one of them how it bounces?” she asks Luna gently. Luna’s eyes land right on me—probably because of the ball—and she giggles.
“Well, now, that’s a winner, huh?” I say, feeling this odd bubble of pure, unfiltered joy rising in my chest.
“Wanna hold her?” Leighton asks, smiling. She doesn’t pick a name—just tosses the invite into the air like it’s up for grabs. I step forward before I even think about it. Of course I want to.
I panic a little as Luna reaches for me, but Leighton soothes, “Relax. It’s basically like carrying a squirming bag of potatoes.”
She’s not wrong. There’s a surprising weight to this little body as she nestles into my arms, her head dropping naturally against my shoulder. She’sreal.This tiny, perfect human being.
Leighton steps back once Luna’s situated, giving me a quick nod of approval.
“I’m Andy, Luna,” I murmur, rocking her gently. “Can you say ‘Andy’?”
She babbles, “Aaah… dee.”
I smile. Close enough.
Shane watches, his eyes soft but a little hesitant, like he’s not sure whether to be in awe or have a panic attack.
“Hey, Shane,” Ava calls out. “Why don’t you give me that bag of snacks? I’ll put them up.”
“Oh, right. Thanks.” Shane hands it over, eyes still locked on me and Luna.
I step closer, gently bouncing Luna in my arms. “Hi, Luna,” Shane says softly, his voice tender in a way I’ve never heard before. “I’m so glad I get to finally meet you, baby girl.”
She lifts her tiny hand, touches his cheek, then, without warning, grabs his lips and gives them a little yank.
She giggles. He winces but can't help laughing too.
And there we are—me holding this tiny girl who’s now giggling uncontrollably, her plush doll tucked in one fist, and her new bouncy ball clutched in the other. She peeks up at me with those big eyes, and it hits me. She’s got her mama’s curls and chin… but her eyes and nose? That’s all Shane.
“Okay, my turn,” Shane says suddenly, voice a little unsure.
A part of me doesn’t want to hand her over—we’ve had a moment, me and this kid—but I carefully pass her to Shane. He takes her like she’s made of glass, holding her at arm’s length like he’s terrified she might break.
Leighton quickly steps in, repositioning his hands and arms until Luna is securely cuddled against his chest.
“There you go,” she says, slightly stepping back with a proud smile. “How’s that?”
“Great,” Shane says, though his voice cracks like a kid going through puberty, totally blowing his cool.
“Lu-Lu, this is Shane. He’s very special,” Leighton says softly. “They all are… but this one, baby.” She pauses and caresses the side of her cheek. “He’s your daddy.”
“D…” Luna starts, her little brow furrowing as she focuses.
“Yes, that’s it!” Leighton encourages. “Daddy.”
I’m so caught up watching the two of them that it takes me a second to realize Shane’s gone as red as a tomato. I shoot David a look, silently asking if one of us should step in, but before either of us moves, Shane looks down at Luna, and something shifts.
She beams up at him, pure sunshine in her eyes, drops the ball with a little plop, and brings her chubby hand to her mouth to blow him a kiss. Shane, proud as can be, grins back like he’s just been handed the entire world.
“Hi, Luna,” he whispers. “I’m your daddy.”
“Dada,” she says, clear as day, her little voice ringing out.
