Page 78 of The SEAL's Duchess
Grace and Caleb? No, Grace was at their house. Caleb was on shift. Wyatt? He could be here in twenty if he was at home.
He exhaled, his breath shadowy in the cold air.
Benji’s diner. Warm light, laughter, the smell of cinnamon and frying butter. Louisa would take one look at Ellie and make the world right again.
Not ideal, but it was safe. He hated it anyway. Hated every inch of distance between him and his baby girl.
“Change of plans, bug.” His voice came out gravelly. He cleared his throat, tried again. “You’re going to see Louisa for a bit. She’ll make you hot chocolate. Maybe a cookie if you ask nicely.”
From the back seat came a muffled, hopeful, “Marsha-mallow?”
He almost smiled. “You drive a hard bargain, kiddo. Yeah. Marsha-mallows.”
He called Wyatt. His brother picked up on the first ring. “What’s up?”
Ryder didn’t waste breath. “Need you to pick up Ellie from Louisa’s. Run her to Mom’s. Can you do it?”
Keys jingled through the receiver. Already moving. “Done. What happened?”
“Someone cut Ivy’s brake lines.” The words tasted like rust. “Sarah’s sure but I can’t reach Ivy.”
Wyatt swore under his breath. “I’m on my way. Fifteen minutes.”
The line went dead.
He dialed Louisa next. “Louisa. Hey.”
“That tone doesn’t sound like coffee and pie, sweetheart. What’s wrong?”
“Need a favor. Big one. Can I drop Ellie off with you? Wyatt will grab her in fifteen.”
“Of course, honey. You don’t even have to ask. Is everything okay?”
“Not really.” His throat worked. “But it will be.”
“We’ll take good care of her. You know that.”
“I know. Thanks, Louisa.”
He ended the call and looked in the rear-view mirror. Ellie watched him with a serious expression that made her look older than three.
He made himself smile. “Hey. You know Daddy loves you, right?”
“Me lub Daddy.” She blew him a kiss with one small chubby hand.
Something hot and painful pressed behind his eyes. He turned away, started the engine. Snow crunched under the tires as he pulled out.
Benji’sglowed golden against the gray afternoon, windows fogged. Heat and the hiss of the coffee machine hit him like a wave as he pushed inside, Ellie in his arms.
Louisa appeared before he’d even spoken, concern written across her face. “There’s my girl!” She scooped Ellie out of his arms. “I just pulled cinnamon rolls from the oven. Think you can help me frost them?”
Ellie beamed. “Me like!”
Ryder bent, kissed her hair, breathing her in—sugar, soap, safety. “Be good, bug.”
“Lub, Daddy,” she whispered, warm breath against his ear.
He straightened, met Louisa’s gaze. One nod between them. She understood everything he couldn’t say.
