Page 92 of Deathless
“I do, four of them actually.” Rori smiled at her. “And I love them just as much as I love my mom.”
Damn, that was slick. Way to shift the conversation in an age-appropriate way.
“My mom said all dads were bad, and that’s why we didn’t have any,” Maia argued.
“Some dads are bad, that’s true. But so are some moms. Moms and dads are just people, so there are good and bad ones out there.”
“I had an amazing dad.” Lisa had sat on the bench next to June and clasped the other woman’s hand. “He supported us through everything. I miss him every day.”
“I’m sorry you lost him,” Rori said gently.
As the conversation progressed, Maia gradually moved closer to Rori. “What’s it like having a dad?”
“Well, it’s different for everyone. But for me, it was great. Sometimes a little overbearing because I had four of them, but they taught me so much. How to defend myself and ride motorcycles. How to treat other people and care for the ones I love. When I was really little, it was like having four superheroes. Big, strong guys who would protect me from anything.”
“They protected you?” Maia’s attention was rapt on Rori, like she was learning the secrets of the universe.
Rori nodded. “A good dad will always protect you. Sometimes even when you don’t want protection,” she added with a laugh.
“I wish I had a good dad,” Elodie sighed wistfully as she smacked a plastic shovel on her sand tower.
Rori looked at the two foster mothers first and then at me, mouthing with a smile, “Ready?”
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest.
“If you two would like to meet him, I know someone who’d be a great dad.” Rori grinned at the two girls. “He’d love a chance to be yours.”
“A dad? For us?” Maia looked suspicious but also intrigued.
“Not just any old dad, but an excellent one. He’s a great protector, he’s big and strong, and he won’t let anyone hurt you.” Rori’s smile softened and her cheeks darkened with a flush. “He’s also smart and funny, and he’s honest. He’s a good listener, and he gives great hugs. I know for a fact you girls will be safe with him.”
I was so floored by everything she’d said, I almost missed the head nod she did as my cue to come out. Even as I walked over, my thoughts were in a daze. She knew I could hear everything, but she wouldn’t lie to those kids, right? Rori Wilder would never speak so highly of anyone unless she believed it was the truth.
“Girls, this is my friend, Hudson.” She tugged at my pant leg a bit, and I took the invitation to sit on the ground next to her, eye level with the two children.
With my daughters.
“Are you a dad?” Maia gave me a hard stare, already starting the interrogation.
“Well, I’ve never been one before,” I answered. “But if you give me a chance, I’d like to try.”
“What’s that?” Elodie pointed at a tattoo on my wrist, a compass rose. Her little finger rested just above the point for North.
“These are tattoos.” I extended my arm so she could see more of them. “They’re drawings that will never wash off.”
“What?!” Maia was so bewildered that she came right next to her sister for a closer look. “How do they never come off?”
“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.” Rori stretched her legs long in front of her and planted her palms behind her. She relaxedand listened with a smile as my children and I got to know each other.
31
EPILOGUE
RORI
One year later
“Ican’t believe he finally did it.” Devin lay diagonally on our bed, bare feet crossed at the ankles, hands laced behind his head. “He’s been hemming and hawing at it for months. I was about to decapitate him myself out of frustration.”
