Page 3 of Kent's Honor
At least not in his book.
But, as his mother often reminded him, he did live his life on the edge. He had two risky jobs. One with the Aegis Network and the other as a firefighter.
Before that, he’d been in the Air Force. Although he’d had one foot out the door four years ago when Arthur approached the entire team about a unique opportunity.
It took all of ten minutes for him to arrive at his house. No one had the kind of funds that Rex and his wife had. But Kent’s financial situation was always a struggle. He’d grown up dirtpoor and his parents couldn’t help him at all after high school. Whatever Kent wanted to do, it was on him and he completely understood. He didn’t expect a handout and he certainly wasn’t afraid of hard work.
Once in his driveway, he opened the garage and eased his toy—about the only thing he’d ever treated himself to—into the garage of his modest home. He lived about a half hour from everyone else, tucked away in a neighborhood that needed a lot of tender loving care. The homes were all in need of major repair. Some more than others. But it was a safe neighborhood. One that he didn’t have to worry too much about his baby girl. And it was in an excellent school district because he couldn’t afford a fancy private school.
Headlights flashed as Maren’s SUV pulled into the driveway. She opened the driver’s door. “Perfect timing.”
“I’d say so,” he said. “How was your night?”
“Wonderful. Tilly and I didn’t have to lift a finger. Your daughter did everything except change diapers. I’m sure she could handle it, but Justice is at the age where he grabs his willy and runs away, thinking it’s funny if something comes out of it.”
He burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t find that funny, but I do.”
“Yeah, well, Arthur thinks it’s hysterical, and it doesn’t help.” Maren shook her head.
Elle stepped from the rear passenger side. “I tried not to crack up, Daddy. Really, I did. But when he peed all over the kitchen floor and slid across it like he was on ice skates, it was kind of hard not to.”
Kent covered his mouth.
“It’s okay. Go ahead. He’s passed out cold and can’t hear a thing.” Maren wiggled her fingers. “Come give me a hug, Elle. Thanks so much for entertaining Justice and Annabelle so your aunt Tilly and I could have a grown-up evening.”
“Anytime.” Elle gave Maren a big hug. “I love playing with them.”
“Thanks for driving her home.” Kent waved before looping his arm around Elle. “Time for you to get washed up and ready for bed.” He kissed her temple. She was getting so tall.
She glanced up with big doe eyes. “Did you have fun with the guys?”
“We had a blast.”
“Did you meet any women?” She waggled her brows.
He ruffled her head. “It was boys’ night. There was none of that. Now get ready for bed. When you’re done, we can play a quick card game.” He sighed, watching his daughter, who wasn’t a baby anymore but wasn’t a teenager yet, race up the porch steps.
She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, Elle.” He patted his chest. That right there was why he got out of bed every morning.
2
“Daddy, why are you so worried about this stuff constantly?”
Out of the mouths of babes. Kent leaned against the railing of his porch, the weathered wood in desperate need of a paint job. He kept telling himself he’d do it next weekend, and then he’d find something more fun to do with Elle.
Maybe this could be a fun project to do together. As she kept reminding him, she wasn’t his baby anymore.
“It’s my job to worry, Buttercup.”
Elle looked up at him from her perch on the steps and rolled her eyes. “Now that I’m ten, I’m too old to be called buttercup.”
“Don’t roll your eyes at me, young lady,” he said with a smile as he sat down beside the little girl who had forever changed his life. “I hate it when you do that.”
“I can’t help it. It’s what ten-year-olds do.” She tilted her head and batted her thick eyelashes, her soft-blue eyes catching a ray of sunshine. Damn girl better never grow up, or he was going to be chasing off every young man with a shotgun.
He cringed at the thought.
