Two movies and dinner later, we’ve spent the whole day lounging around together.

Our time together has been perfect.

The thought of having to work tomorrow is a real kick in the gut, but at least I have my girls now.

“It’s time for your bath and then bed, sweetheart,” Delaney says.

Amelia pouts. “Do I have to?”

“You have school and I have work tomorrow. And I think your dad has work too.” Delaney smiles. “How about after we’re ready for bed, Daddy reads you a story?”

Amelia’s eyes widen. “Could you read me Hairy Maclary again, Daddy?”

I nod. “Of course I can.”

She follows Delaney up the hallway to the bathroom, and the sound of water running echoes down to the living room.

I lean back on the sofa and take a long breath. That went even better than I’d thought it would. Apparently children can be so accepting. More so than adults.

But now I have both my girls in my life, and for that I am grateful.

This is the life I never thought I’d have. At least, not with Delaney. I thought that eventually I’d find someone, fall in love, and have a family. But I never felt that spark with anyone else, not to the extent I did with her.

Having her back is everything I ever wanted.

All the wind’s sucked out of me as a weight hits me in the stomach, and I laugh at Amelia throwing herself onto my lap.

“I’m ready for my story.”

“Come on then.”

I stand, pulling her up with me, and she hooks her legs around my hips as I start to move with her.

Delaney stands in the hall doorway, shaking her head with a bemused smile on her face. She moves out of the way to let us pass, and doesn’t follow into Amelia’s bedroom.

I drop Amelia gently on the bed and she lets out a tired laugh before lying down so I can tuck her in.

She yawns, and I plant a soft kiss on her temple.

“I don’t want to go to sleep. I want to play with you.”

I stroke her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. I do have to work, but I’ll be here every minute that I can.”

“Goodnight, Daddy.”

My heart.

“Goodnight, my beautiful girl.”

I pick up the book from beside the bed, and this time I don’t get anywhere near halfway through before she falls asleep.

“You know it’s the reading that does it. I used to sing her to sleep and rock her, but that stopped working when she was four. Now I read her a story and she’s out like a light. I’m enjoying that while it lasts.” Delaney leans against the doorway.

I stand and walk toward her. “I’ve got to be on set early tomorrow, but I can stay the night.”