Page 79 of Like You Love Me

A small smile curled her lips. “I’m going to tell her a joke.”

“I think she will like that very much.” He helped her down from the seat and carried her to the door before planting her to her feet. Once the door swung open, Gabriella rushed over and hugged him tightly. London leaned down and wrapped her in a protective embrace as he whispered in her ear. “Don’t be afraid. You’re both safe now.” He drew back and watched Gabriella’s smile widen before she went inside the house with Carmen.

London climbed back into the vehicle and pulled away from the house. On the ride home, Sierra talked about her lines she almost had memorized. He was happy for the distraction. Caleb was gone, but London was going to do everything to make sure Gabriella had a man in her life to love and protect her the same way he had for Sierra.

“Daddy, are you mad at Mommy?”

“What?” The question jerked him from his thoughts.

“I said, are you mad at Mommy?” A slight frown creased her forehead.

“No. Why do you think that?”

“Because you didn’t kiss her at breakfast, and I saw her crying.”

While running a hand down the length of his face, London tried to gather his thoughts. “I think your mother has been sad because you were sad.”

“Is it because Mr. Clark says he’s my daddy?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then is she sad that you will leave?”

“Leave?” London swerved off the road and brought the vehicle to a stop and put the car into Park. “Why do you think I’ll leave?” he asked, turning on the seat to face her.

She shrugged her shoulders. “Because Jennifer’s daddy left, and her mommy was sad.”

He drew a deep breath and realized that what was happening was confusing, and now more than ever, his family needed him to be strong. “Honeybee,” he said, taking her hand. “Listen to me.”

“Yes, Daddy.” He noticed how her lips quivered, and the fear in her eyes tore at his heartstrings.

“I told you, I’m not going anywhere,” he said, hoping to reassure her.

“You promise not to leave mommy and me?” she said, staring up at him with those big eyes that could melt snow during a Delaware winter.

“I promise.”

An inkling of a smile curled her lips, turning his heart over in his chest. “Does that mean you will still be my daddy?”

His voice shook. “As long as you’ll have me.”

Sierra threw herself into his arms. “I want you forever and forever, Daddy!”

“You mean that?” he asked as he squeezed her close.

“I like Mr. Clark, but I love you, Daddy.”

London lowered his eyelids as he whispered. “I love you too, Honeybee. Always and forever. Now put back on your seatbelt, and let’s go get ice cream.”

Bianca was loading the dishwasher when the two walked into the house. Sierra was laughing and licking a waffle cone. “Ice cream?” she said, and her brow rose. She looked from their daughter to London, who simply shrugged.

“We decided today was a day to celebrate.”

“Really?” Bianca began with a hand planted at her waist. “What’s the occasion?”

“I memorized all my lines!” Sierra announced gleefully.

“Good for you.” She gave her daughter a high five.