The Daddy P.I. Casefiles: The First Collection by Frost, J (great novels .txt) 📕

for half of the year and being even more dependent on Niall’s variable income, to say nothing about feeling that Niall and Vashi have made the decision without him, are a big deal. They’re also very personal between Niall’s trio and I’m surprised he didn’t take Shaan upstairs, but Niall nodded to the bean bags when I took Emmy down from the chains, so I’m assuming he wants us here and listening.

When Shaan finishes, Niall tucks the other man’s face into his neck and holds him tightly, whispering fiercely into his ear. “Mo bhuachaill grámhar, I’ve heard every word yeh’ve said. We’ll talk more about what to do, but I always hear yeh.”

Shaan’s breath hitches. Vashi shifts out of her kneeling position to wrap herself around Shaan’s back while Niall rocks him. I haven’t seen their threesome function as quite such a unit before. I usually see Niall dominating each of them, often separately. But Niall’s said several times during our video calls that Shaan is the beating heart of their trio and I’m seeing it now.

“Yeh ready t’go upstairs?” Niall asks Shaan.

Shaan nods and slides off the beanbag. Vashi immediately tucks herself into his chest and Shaan puts his arms around her. Niall climbs out of the deep beanbag with more difficulty, and I remember that although he’s extremely strong, he broke his back seven years ago. He probably still has lingering pain and flexibility issues, just as I do from my more recent injury. Although Shaan and Vashi can see his struggle, neither offers to help him and I wonder if that’s because of the strain between the three of them or because Niall dislikes being reminded of his physical limitations. I feel him if it’s the latter; the constant reminders grate on me.

Once Niall gets to his feet, he puts his arms around his subs and nods at me. “See yeh at breakfast. Same time?”

“Eight-thirty. See you then.”

Emily waves at them as they leave and Vashi waves back, although her eyes are still wet.

“I didn’t know they were considering moving East, Daddy,” Emily whispers to me.

“Niall just told me last night. He’s started a construction company in New York and is looking at a renovation project in Flatbush that would break ground after Thanksgiving. They haven’t found a place to live yet.”

“I can help them look.”

“That’s sweet of you, Emmy. I’m sure Niall would appreciate it. Let’s see where they end up tomorrow morning before we bring it up, though.”

“Do you think their plans could change?”

Probably not. Niall needs to address Shaan’s concerns now they’re out in the open, but I don’t think Niall will be swayed from his plans. But I don’t want to overpromise and risk my little girl’s disappointment. “I think we should wait and see. And if things don’t work out, I think we should plan a big trip to California to see them when it’s a little easier to travel with Olivia. Maybe March or April?”

Emily nods before laying her head on my shoulder. “I’d like to take her to the Pacific. Do you know that babies can start swimming from two months old? I thought I might take Olivia to baby swim classes once she’s old enough. That’s still a babysitter thing to do, isn’t it?”

“It is and I’d love it if you took Olivia to baby swim classes. Don’t worry too much about what is and isn’t a babysitter thing to do. Just focus on the things you want to do with her.”

That wins me a smile, although it’s a tired smile.

“C’mon, sweetheart. I think it’s time for us to say goodnight, too.”

Emily glances around the room. There are still a lot of folks playing and several hours to go before midnight, but I don’t feel any need to play host. This is our weekend and I’m ready to cuddle up with my baby doll and shut out everyone else.

When Emily looks up and meets my eyes, the pinch of worry around hers fades. “Okay, Daddy.”

I smile, happy I can take worries large and small away from her.

On the way up to our room, I stop to let Martyn know we’re going bed and ask him to knock if there are any problems he needs help with. I also check in with Harry and Mac, who have been joined by Daisy and Sean. They’re doing what looks like extremely complicated suspension with Hunter, Moon, Piper, and Justine. Fleur, who has more experience than many Doms, is monitoring and I stop to repeat what I told DirtyGurl before she slammed the door on me.

Fleur grins and nods. “She’d probably rather have me put in a crown than wake you, but if she’s in trouble, I will.”

“Thank you. I think we’re getting together for breakfast around eight-thirty if you’re up.”

“See you then, sir. Thanks again for inviting me. Today’s been a lot of fun.”

I pat her on the shoulder, wave to the people still doing scenes, including Mac who is helping Daisy turn a giggling Piper upside-down in the rigging and looking substantially happier than he did earlier, and lead Emily upstairs.

Since it’s still early, I stretch out our bedtime ritual, bathing Emmy leisurely in the huge tub, rubbing lotion into her damp skin and cream into the marks I’ve left with my crop and flogger, brushing her hair for her, putting her in the adorable, shorty, bunny onesie we’ve gotten her for summer, and reading her not one, not two, but three bedtime stories. When I finish, I tuck her against my side and stroke the arm she stretches across my chest. Her breathing deepens towards sleep almost immediately. I lie in the darkness, listening to her soft noises, looking up at the gauzy canopy above the bed, wondering if I’ll hear or see Molly’s ghost if I wait up. Since I don’t actually believe in ghosts, despite what happened in the maze today, that thought makes me grin.

My grin widens as I turn over today in my head. Fleur’s right,