by Natalie Ann
“If you want to make out, maybe you should consider going out alone. Hire me as a babysitter. I need to save as much money as possible for med school. No curfew,” he added with a suggestive wink.
Daniel took him on his word and invited Meredith for a tête-à-tête dinner every Saturday.
Since Steve was finally allowed to receive visitors, Meredith and Daniel took the children to visit him, and Greg came along and told his story about his two moms.
“So, that’s why you were often sad, Meredith. To think you sent me on guilt trips, wondering how I’d hurt you.”
“She was sad because of me?” Surprised, Greg raised his eyebrows.
“Yes, my boy. Because she had no news about you and was wondering if you were happy or unhappy. And because of you, she made us all miserable.” Steve faked an indignant tone. “For that, you owe me. I’ll hire you to cut my lawn, and do the grocery shopping when I’m discharged in two weeks. Hector needs help. The poor guy has been sleepless for a month.”
Delighted, Greg agreed.
Steve called him closer. “You’re a smart one, son. I’m sure you’ll do well in life.”
“I’m going to Northwestern in September. I hope to be a doctor one day.”
“A doctor? Huh, good decision. We need smart physicians. Hector, come here. I have an idea.” He lowered his voice to give an order to Hector.
Meredith could bet her house she knew what Steve’s new idea was. Her ex-husband had taken a liking to Greg. He’d use the teenager’s help and then reward him generously by paying his medical school tuition.
“Now, I have a Mother’s Day gift for Meredith, or maybe a wedding gift for whenever you two decide to get married.”
Meredith opened big eyes. “I don’t need any gift. Meeting Greg was the best gift I could dream of.”
“Right, right, but you can’t stop me from giving you a gift if I so desire. And I do. Here it is.” He handed her a small golden box with a sparkling ribbon. She opened it while they all watched her.
“It’s a key. For what?”
“There’s a picture in the box,” Daniel said.
“A picture of a house.” Her gaze flitted from Daniel to Steve. “What house?”
“Your new house, dear.”
“Oh my God, no Steve, you didn’t...”
“Daniel chose it. He said you’d like it.”
“Oh my God, I can’t accept. It’s too much.”
“Of course you can. It’s the alimony I never gave you. It’s in your name, and you can move in whenever you want. And it’s close to my house, so I can see the kids often.”
Count on Steve to have his orders executed to the letter. She kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you, Steve. You’re really playing Santa Claus for us.” And manipulating people to his whims.
“My dear, you brought me hope and health. According to Dr. Guertz, I may survive five to ten more years to enjoy playing the Santa Claus role.”
***
Since Steve was in a generous mood, Meredith brought Les to meet him, when her friend was allowed to leave the AA center.
“Les is the man who saved me when I went into labor. He drove me to the hospital and stayed with me when I delivered Lizzie.”
Talk about a guilt trip for Steve. “I should have been there.”
“Les is also an accountant and tax auditor. Unfortunately...” Meredith summarized his story for Steve. “Now he’s doing community service as a sentence for driving under the influence.”
“A recovered alcoholic, unemployed.” Steve narrowed his eyes on Les and scratched his growing stubble. “In need of a job and supervision to keep away from temptation,” he grumbled. And Meredith guessed he’d soon take advantage of the situation.
Two days later, Les announced that Steve Homer had hired him as his accountant. He’d live at his house, where there was no alcohol. In the morning, he’d do his community service, and in the evening, he’d evaluate and put Mr. Homer’s finances in order.
***
“Dany O, I think we can get married soon, now that the men in my life are taken care of.”
“Where and when?” He grabbed her shoulders, his gaze intense.
“All Saints Church for the ceremony, and my new house for a garden party. On...” She glanced at the calendar. “How about Sunday, June twenty-first, on Father’s Day?”
“Thank you, my love.” Daniel sealed his agreement with a scorching kiss and a blazing night.
***
At four o’clock on Sunday, holding a bouquet of white roses, Meredith walked down the aisle on Greg’s arm, in a short lace dress, her magnificent pendant on her chest, with Noah and Lizzie throwing flowers ahead of her.
She’d ordered a similar white dress for Lizzie, and they both had their long hair combed to the back and adorned with a white flower. Noah had donned a pair of white shorts and white short-sleeved shirt.
The ceremony lasted only fifteen minutes to spare Steve, who couldn’t stay out for long.
When the pastor asked them to say their vows, Daniel took her hands and gazed into her eyes. “I loved you in the past. I love you now, and will love you forever. And I’ll be forever grateful to Taco and Wendy for bringing us together.”
Lizzie and Noah burst out laughing. “I told you we should have brought them, hidden in the flower baskets,” Lizzie said to Noah.
“I would have locked you in your room for a month,” her mother snapped.
“Your vows, Meredith,” the pastor admonished.
“Huh.” The mention of the cats had wiped from her memory the words of love she’d carefully prepared. “I... I love you, Daniel, and I...”
“We love you, Mommy,” Lizzie blurted at the right time.
Noah and Greg repeated, “We love you, Mommy.”
Daniel slipped a diamond band on her finger and gave her a gold one to slip on his finger.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Daniel instantly obeyed, and their guests applauded.
“Daddy, kiss me too,” Lizzie ordered, while Noah and Greg hugged the happy bride.
They drove straight to the new house, where the big patio had been decorated with flowers for the occasion, and a bar of non-alcoholic punches had been set on a long table.
Steve gave the first toast to the bride and groom. “May you two find together the happiness that you’ve given us.”
With Lizzie and Noah next to him, Greg lifted his non-alcoholic daiquiri. “To my new mom and dad, your children love you and wish you long-lasting happiness.”
And happiness overflowed Meredith’s heart.
The End
Afterword
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading the Authors’ Billboard SWEET AND SASSY DADDIES box
I hope you enjoyed my selection, HIS SON, HER DAUGHTER and will look forward to reading more books by Mona Risk.
If you liked—hopefully loved—this story, please tell your friends about it, and please leave a review. It only takes a few minutes, and you only need to write a couple of sentences to share your views on Amazon so others can see your comments and maybe buy the book because of them.
Find out about my new books by joining my Newsletter
You can write to me with suggestions and comments at [email protected]
I always answer.
Mona
Other books by Mona Risk
SWEET ROMANCES:
Holiday Babies Series:
Holly Jolly Christmas: Prequel to the series.
Christmas Babies: A sweet and powerful Christmas Story.
Valentine Babies: Can he love a woman expecting another man’s baby?
Mother’s Day Babies: Never too late to find love and happiness.
Wedding Surprise: Is it the worst or best wedding surprise?
Christmas Papa: Who’s my Papa, Mommy?
On Christmas Eve: We want a mommy for Christmas.
Holiday Babies Series Box: Christmas Babies, Valentine
Babies, Mother’s Day Babies.
The Senator’s Family Series:
Her Christmas Cruise: The perfect fiancé is a cheater and the fabulous Christmas wedding is off. But the would-be honeymoon cruise may fulfill the dreams of Julia and her unexpected companion.
Two Loves For Christmas: Her German shepherd is her only friend until a senator’s son refuses to take advantage of their fake engagement and teams up with her dog to protect her.
For Sarah’s Sake: A broken marriage. Second chance at love. And a precious little girl trying to escape danger and hatred to get herself a loving family.
Not Ready Yet: High school sweethearts separated by life...They meet years later, successful but different, each with a heavy baggage.
Sunshine Over Snow: When his children manage to ruin his second wedding, Brad is caught between a furious fiancée and an offended ex-wife, both determined to keep him and make him pay for his mistakes. Part of CUTE BUT CRAZY
His Son, Her Daughter: High school sweethearts reunited after twenty years by their small children. Their conflicting baggage prevents them from fully trusting each other. Yet what wouldn’t Daniel do for his son and her daughter? Part of SWEET AND SASSY DADDIES
Between Babies and Girlfriends: Abandoned baby twins, a former girlfriend, an almost fiancée complicate Dr. Brian Dutton’s life to no end. Part of IRRESISTIBLE WEDDINGS
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES:
Set in romantic or exotic international places, these romance novels are sizzling with passion, emotion and sensual tension.
Heal my Heart: In a far away country, a baby girl, four little boys, and a handsome doctor may teach Dr. Jillian the true meaning of Christmas.
Her Greek Tycoon: A sexy and humorous Romeo and Juliette Greek style, set in Mykonos Island.
To Love A Hero: When the American chemist stumbles on the airport escalator in General Sergei’s arms, she soon discovers that chemicals are not the only things that can generate heat.
Her French Count: Are his statue and chateau worth endangering the life of the impetuous young woman who’s turned his life upside down
Neighbors and More: Too close for comfort for condo owners in a Florida High Rise after a man drowns in a hot spa.
Husband for a Week: Sicilian vendetta, fake husband, and an irascible matchmaking grandmother complicate Jonathan and Isabella’s lives. Can love conquer all?
The Gods of Dark Love: From the Egyptian Mythology, the legend of the famous gods, Isis and Osiris.
Modern Princes:
A Bride For Prince Paul: She can’t abandon her patients for his crown!
A Bodyguard For The Princess: A murder at Harvard in Princess Chloe’s student building.
Jingle With My Princess: The doc and the princess... He saves lives but Princess Charlene may save his heart.
Prince Philip’s Cinderella: A charming jogger saves her from danger. But he’s a prince... and she comes from nothing. Should she run or risk her heart?
A Dance for Prince Eric: A ballerina with a promising career on the run for her brother’s sake. A charismatic prince who saved them both. Do fairytales exist? Part of ALL THAT GLITTERS BOX).
Sweet but Sassy
In Time For Christmas: Can Sylvia turn her life and career upside down for Baby Clementine and for James who wants her to stay with him for reasons he has trouble explaining?
The Captain’s Christmas Leave: Wounded and divorced, Dr. Joshua Alexander lost his medical career and any chance at happiness...until his sassy wife takes things in her hands.
Love You, Doc series:
A Complete Family: Nurse Melody is continuously late at work. Determined to find out the reason for her tardiness, Dr. Aidan visits her house, unintentionally scares her little daughter, and is attacked by her vicious German shepherd. But attraction sizzles…
Love in the ER: Despite a traumatic experience, a young doctor with a four-year-old daughter returns to work in the ER. Will the charming Chief of ER make her job easier or more difficult? (Part of DOCTORS IN LOVE 1 BOX)
Love on the Slopes: A victim of mockery, Gabriella hides her pain and limp. After saving her from a ski accident, can Dr. Nathan win her love and rebuild her knee?
(Part of DOCTORS IN LOVE 2 BOX).
Doctor’s Orders:
Babies in the Bargain: “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy” in the NICU.
Right Name, Wrong Man: What’s a girl to do when she whispers another man’s name in her fiancé’s arms?
No More Lies: A lie that brings a smile or a truth drawing tears?
My books are also part of these multi-author boxes:
Love, Christmas
Love, Christmas 2
INVINCIBLE, Strong and Fearless
Sweet and Sassy
Sweet and Sassy Christmas
Sweet and Sassy Valentine
Sweet and Sassy Weddings
Sweet and Sassy on the Beach
Sweet and Sassy in the Snow
Sweet and Sassy Cinderella
Snowflakes and Christmas Kisses
Unforgettable Romances: Unforgettable Heroes
Unforgettable Heroes: Unforgettable Passion
Unforgettable Christmas: Gifts of Love
Unforgettable Valentine
Unforgettable Weddings
Unforgettable Suspense
Unforgettable Danger
Unforgettable Passion: Unforgettable Charmers
Unforgettable Charmers
A Night She’ll Remember
Unforgettable Christmas Dreams
Sweet and Sassy Holiday
Christmas Shorts
All That Glitters
Doctors In Love : Passionate and Dedicated
Doctors In Love 2: Sexy and Determined
Sweet & Sassy Daddies
Irresistible Weddings
About the Author
A tireless traveler, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author MONA RISK received an Outstanding Achiever Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine. She is a Best Romance Novel winner at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll; Two-Time winner of Best Contemporary Romance Novel at Readers Favorite; an EPIC’s Ebook Award Finalist.
“Ms. Risk is one of those authors who puts together a tale that’s captivates from first page to last.”~ The Romance Studio
“Mona Risk knows how to pull a reader into the minds of her well-crafted characters. Her work takes us on a journey be it local or overseas.” Night Owl Reviews.
“Ms Risk has created beautifully written, well rounded, realistic characters.” Got Romance!
Mona writes sweet contemporary romance, medical romance, and romantic suspense novels, all simmering with emotion. Sprinkled with a good dose of humor, her stories are set in the fascinating places she visits— or in Florida, her paradise on earth.
Contact Information
Nothing would please me more than to hear from my readers. You can write to me at [email protected]
To hear about my new novels, please join my Newsletter .
Or visit:
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Amazon Page Bookbub
DADDY’S MINE
Daddy’s Mine
Mimi Barbour
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Mimi Barbour
Book Description
Beau’s boring existence needs a change… sure. But having a three-year-old niece dropped on his doorstep with no notice seems a bit extreme. Struggling with the little girl’s problems makes life extremely challenging. Especially when faced with the snarky beauty at Child Services he must impress so he can keep little Caro with him.
Elli’s day starts out rough and keeps deteriorating from then on. The final insult comes in the form of a man who seems unworried when his small charge lays on the floor like a pet dog by his feet, sucking her thumb and refusing to speak. How can she not get involved when Caro’s beautiful green eyes beg for her help?
Praise and Awards
New York Times bestselling author
USA Today bestselling author
"As a writer myself, I think that one of the true marks of an excellent author is solid, believable character development, and in my opinion, Mimi Barbour is the master of character development!" ~ Reviewed by author Flo Barnett
"Love Mimi Barbour, love her books. When you can read a book that within just a few words, you are brought right into the book. You feel, taste, see everything going on. Great storylines. Fantastic characters, fantastic plots, storylines like real life both honest folk and of crooks. Humor that will have you giggling then full-on belly laugh. You may even shed a tear or two." ~ Reviewed by Shirleen Miller
Chapter One
Beau Williams was sick of his unhealthy existence. The dissatisfaction hadn’t begun overnight but had been building for months. Ever since he’d completed the latest math program he’d been working on for his gaming company – Fun for Kids – life seemed empty.
Totally enthused by the project, many times he’d worked day and night to make it the best. The idea that the kids would get a positive experience from his amusements drove him to keep at it. The hell with food and rest or any kind of a normal existence.
Having watched his brother whittle away his youth, totally hooked on the gruesome killing war games that should never have been created – not for the younger age, hell not for any age – his dreams of making healthy alternatives had taken on strength.
