Page 63 of Husband of the Year
“And Mommy says that’s when she knew I wasn’t going to be someone to wait around for things to happen.”
“That’s right. And that you’d always be early. Which you are.”
“It shows you care.” She kisses Noelle’s ear.
“You were the sweetest angel. You still are.”
“And then you sang to me.”
“I did.”
Olan sings the first verse of “Isn’t She Lovely,” and Illona’s face beams with pure joy. Her dad’s voice is… not great. Okay, not even serviceable. His soft, monotone bass doesn’t land on any of the actual notes in the song, but Illona doesn’t care. And why would she? He’s singing to her. Crooning that she’s lovely, wonderful, precious, a genuine gift from God, made from love.
The sound of the man I love singing to his daughter stirs something within me, like a dormant parental clock coming to life. Having my own children may not have been something I saw for myself, but being Illona’s stepfather is the perfect fit for my parenting abilities, and I am eagerly embracing the opportunity.
Olan finishes the chorus, pauses, and says, “I love you, princess.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
She puts the screen up to her face and gives it a soft kiss and I hear Olan do the same. Yeah, his fathering prowess floods my basement.
Illona hands me the phone and I see Olan’s face, full of love for his daughter, and I’m beyond grateful video call technology allows us to feel almost like we’re together. I miss his body, though—his thick arms, his beefy thighs, his delicious dick.
“One second,” I tell him and put the phone on the bedside table.
“You sleep well, sweetheart,” I whisper. “It made your daddy’s day, seeing your beautiful face and talking to you.”
Illona’s already pulled the covers up to her chin and turned on her side, clutching Noelle for dear life. I kiss the top of her head and turn her light off.
“Good night, Marvin.” Her voice, tired and soft, is barely audible, but I’m careful to take in every syllable.
Phone in hand, I walk toward our bedroom, the softness of Illona’s carpet cushioning each step. Anticipation bubbles within me, knowing that the moment to chat with Olan alone has finally arrived.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“There’s my adorable fiancé.” Olan’s voice wraps around me like a warm embrace, easing the tension in my shoulders and bringing a serene calm to my entire body. It’s low. Deep. Rich. Hearing him makes me miss him more than I thought possible, but I’m so grateful he’s able to carve out some time for us tonight. “It looks like things are going well on the home front?”
“Honestly, yes. I know she misses you terribly, but Illona is being a trooper. And keeping her typical routine is helping me as much as her.”
Illona acts as a tether, constantly connecting me to Olan, even more so when he is not around.
Lying on our bed, with Olan’s handsome face in front of me, my arm instinctively reaches toward the vacant side of the bed, wishing he was there. Wishing I could touch him.
“Good. I hoped that would occur. Isabella is more than happy to pick up any extra slack, but it appears that won’t be necessary. Illona doesn’t just adore you. She loves you. You’re going to be her stepfather soon. Nobody is more pleased about that than me.”
“Well, she might beat you.” Carefully, I position a throw pillow on my stomach, using it as a makeshift stand for my phone.
“Fair. And I’m more than content to let her win the title of Most Pleased at Marvin Being Illona’s Stepfather. A little long for a sash, but we can figure something out.”
I smile at his silly dad joke, but also at his face. Those beautiful, deep brown eyes. Even on the phone’s small screen, they tempt me. That damn tooth gap, which still makes my insides simmer after two years. When I first met him, I wasn’t sure it was possible for him to be more sexy, but falling in love with him has somehow made him even more handsome.
“And things with your mom seem to be well, too?” Olan’s left eye winces slightly, waiting for my reply.
“Yeah.” When the word comes out of my mouth, I’m both surprised and relieved at the revelation. “She’s been amazing. Cooking. Cleaning. Doing the laundry. Grocery shopping. I think Bruce might be flirting with her.”
“From Hannigan’s?”
“Yes. She bought a thriller on his recommendation.”
