He looked at Shahara.

“Don’t cut your eyes at me, big boy. I have a son. I know nothing about daughters.”

Darling laughed. “You’re crap out of luck, Andarion. We all got sons.”

Maris nodded in agreement. “And I’m from an all-male family, too. I’m worthless with this aspect of child-rearing.”

The flight deck door opened to show Jayne, who gave them all a withering stare. “Oh for goodness’ sakes, you big bunch of nancies. I can’t believe you’re all cowed by a little baby girl’s bladder.” She paused on Nykyrian and Caillen. “And you need to learn, since your daughters will be potty training soon enough.” She unfastened Kalea. “C’mon, sweetie. Aunt Jaynie will take you.”

Kalea clapped before she scooted down to hold Jayne’s hand and follow her to the head.

While they were gone, Hauk glared absolute murder at Nykyrian, who had the audacity to blink innocently at him.

“What is with that look?”

Hauk snarled at him. “I hate you, you minsid bastard.”

“For what?”

“For cursing me. Damn you to hell, Nyk. I have a beautiful daughter and I hate you for it.”

They all laughed at him.

“It’s not funny. I hate all of you!”

Nyk shook his head. “Look on the bright side, Hauk. I have four boys who will gladly help you protect Kalea.”

“Yeah, and my nightmare begins with those four little… things that they better keep away from my girl!”

Shahara laughed. “I’m so glad I have a son. I only have to worry about one penis. You guys have to worry about all the others.”

Hauk glared at her and then to Caillen. “By the way, why didn’t you volunteer? You have a daughter almost the same exact age.”

“Yeah, but her mom does it. I tried once and dropped her in and got banned from potty duty for life. Desideria never got over it and neither did Lil. I set her back a full year in potty training. She still cries every time she sees a full-sized toilet.”

Shahara covered her face and groaned. “You are so worthless. I swear I should have let Kasen drown you when you were little.”

“You see!” Kasen said. “I told you you’d regret saving him one day.”

Kalea came running out to jump into Hauk’s lap. She gave him a giant comical grin. Then laid her head down on his chest and hugged him.

Hauk was still floored by how easily she accepted him as her father. Most children were absolutely terrified and ran screaming from his presence. “Kalea? Why aren’t you afraid of me?”