All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) A.D. Justice (short novels to read TXT) 📖

ever year. Being here with your family over these past ten days has changed my mind completely. This has been the best experience for Juliana and Isabelle too. For that, I can never repay you.” I hug Chelle goodbye as we make our way to the car.

“You can, son. You can take care of my baby and make sure she’s happy. Daisy is one of a kind, but we believe you’re exactly the man she needs.” Brian shakes my hand before lifting one of the large suitcases and placing it in the back of the vehicle.

Taking care of Daisy isn’t a burden in any sense of the word. Fulfilling his request is my pleasure. With that thought in mind, I know exactly what I have to do when I get home. The only way to ensure she’s safe, sound, and secure is to prove I’m all she needs. Even though I’m confident this trip has sealed our permanent couple status, I need to make sure no other guys are sniffing around. I’m not much one for sharing.

Then I’ll pay a visit to someone from the past. Someone I thought I’d washed my hands of years ago.

The SUV is packed to the brim with our suitcases and all the gifts the kids received for Christmas. Daisy’s family walks out to say their final farewells before we leave for Georgia. Marlee holds onto Daisy longer than usual. I know they miss each other and don’t have the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, but this feels different. Marlee whispers something and Daisy’s knuckles turn white from her tightened grip.

There’s something going on I haven’t been told about yet. I’m sure Daisy will confide in me when the time is right. For now, I’m grateful she’s giving me yet another chance to prove my mettle. I’m working on the rest of our relationship goals one at a time. Over the ten days we’ve spent at her parents’ house, we’ve moved past the awkward stage. Our comfort level grows daily, and for once in my life, I’m not running. I’m an oak—my roots run deep and my resolve to stand firm is strong. I won’t let her get away again.

Before we depart, I hug more necks in the driveway than I have in the rest of my life combined. This enormous family is what I longed for my entire childhood. When I became an adult, I put those childish dreams away, resigned to having Juliana and Isa as my only family for the rest of my life.

I’ve regressed to my childhood again. I want a large, extended family like this one. Scratch that—I want this family. They’ve welcomed my small one into the fold so effortlessly, making us feel as if we’ve always been a part of it. Watching Daisy tear herself away from her aunts and uncles tugs at my heartstrings. Why do we all have to be so far apart?

With our goodbyes behind us, we head toward the private airport and back to our normal lives. But my life will never return to what it was before. This trip has changed me irrevocably. We board the corporate jet and take our seats without the awkwardness we had during the flight down here. The kids choose to sit together, sharing their toys as though they’ve been friends for life. Daisy sits next to me and rests her hand on my thigh as if showing affection is the most natural act. I’m not sure she’s even conscious of her actions. But I am.

That small act of intimacy would’ve sent me running for the hills in pre-Daisy days. Today, I slide my hand over hers and lace our fingers together. The symbolism doesn’t escape my notice. They say a chord of three isn’t easily broken. Ours is greater than that. The chords that bind us will never be broken. I’m invested and fully committed to this woman at my side.

My gaze strays to Juliana, and my heart drops to the pit of my stomach. The ghostly pallor of her skin strikes fear in my heart. She’s suffering and declining right before my eyes. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t give to reverse the course we’re on, the one I don’t want to acknowledge or face, but can’t deny in moments like this. The potential of losing her is unimaginable. Madeline sits beside her and gives me an understanding look. The slight nod of her head is meant to reassure me, but I feel it’s to pacify me instead.

Then I turn my attention back to the lady beside me, and I’m calmed once again.

“You’re being uncharacteristically quiet and reserved. What’s going on in that handsome head of yours?” Daisy squeezes my hand as she peers up at me.

“I’m just thinking about my how much my life has changed in the last few months since we met. You’ve ruined me for any other woman. There’s no way I could go back to a bachelor's life now. I’ve gotten used to spooning with you all night. I’d never get a wink of sleep without you beside me.”

Panic flashes across her face for a split second before she quickly masks it again. Which part of my impromptu confession spooked her, and how do I fix it?

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re stuck with me.” The smirk on her face reassures me the moment of alarm has passed.

“You’re the one who’s stuck with me. I’m lucky to have you. What did I say just now that scared you?”

She fidgets in her seat and picks at invisible lint on her pants for a minute before answering. “The part about not getting any sleep at night without me. For a second there, I took your words a tad too literally. We have separate houses and it’s a little early to consider changing that.”

“I wasn’t exaggerating. You can keep your place as long as you want. Just don’t be surprised when you wake to find me in the bed with