Reece orders a beer at the bar, but I want a clear head for today. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.

“Nervous?” he asks as we take a seat. I do enjoy coming back to LA. The media aren’t in my face as much as they are in other places, and we all but get ignored for the most part.

“A little. I just hope I make them happy.”

He shoots me a wistful smile. “They love you. Neither of them will care about anything else other than being with you. I wish I had that.”

“Stop chasing every piece of skirt you come across and maybe you will.”

He chuckles. “I always used to think I made up for your celibacy. Now I have no excuse.”

Silence falls over us. This is right up there as one of the most important days of my life. Delaney’s given up everything she worked for to be with me. I have to make this worth it for her.

“You’re a lucky man,” Reece says.

Neither of us say anything else while Reece finishes his drink and I watch the clock. Every second that ticks down is a second closer to her.

I can’t wait.

* * *

When it’s time, we wander down the hall to arrivals.

It might take a while for them to clear through TSA, but it’ll all be worth it.

I blow out a breath, fighting my impatience to see my family. My family.

“Daddy!” Amelia’s voice breaks through the noise and I look up. Delaney pushes a luggage trolley laden with bags while holding our daughter’s hand against the side of the handle.

“Is that her?” Reece asks.

I grin at him. “There are my girls.”

“Daddy.”

Tears prick my eyes as Amelia breaks free from Delaney’s grip and runs for me. I bend down, and she runs to me, throwing her small arms around my neck. Holding her tight, I stand as Delaney gets closer.

Her tired eyes are full of emotion as I slip Amelia onto one hip and use the other arm to embrace Delaney.

I press a kiss into her hair, so relieved to have both of them finally with me.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whisper.

“We had couches on the plane, Daddy. I had a big sleep,” Amelia declares.

“Did you?”

“She did. Me? Not so much. You’re on child watch for the rest of the day.” Delaney’s lips twitch.

I chuckle. “That’s fine with me. I brought someone with me for you guys to meet.”

“Who, Daddy?”

Turning around, I grin at Reece.

“Amelia, this is my friend, Reece.”

Reece winks. “Hi, Amelia. You’re every bit as pretty as your daddy said you are.” He takes Amelia’s hand in his and plants a kiss on it. She’s wide-eyed and giggles as he lets it go.

“So, this must be Delaney.”