The Path to Loving Him (Almond Bay, #3)

by Meghan Quinn

“The answer is no. I don’t want to leave you alone. I want to be there for you. I want to hold your hand. I want to capture the moment of you watching your brother play his first big league game so he can watch it over and over and see how much pride you have for him. I want to make the day special for you because you deserve it. But I also want you to be comfortable, so if that means I step aside, I act as the driver, and that’s it, then I’ll do that too. I just want you to be happy, taken care of . . . protected.”

And this is exactly why I was trying to keep my distance. This reason precisely

because even though I’ve tried tirelessly to keep my heart out of this, I’ve been fighting a losing battle. He’s too wonderful. Too thoughtful. Too much of everything I think I’ve ever wanted, everything I didn’t know I wanted.

“I see that you’re wearing my shirt. I assumed I’d be getting it back.” “Ooo, that’s embarrassing for you, as you assumed wrong.”

You, my love, are perfect.”

I turn to her, my eyes watery. “Raising you has been the greatest honor of my life, MacKenzie.” Her eyes water too. “And being Uncle Dad will go down as my greatest accomplishment. Thank you for letting me be that man for you.” Tears stream down her face. “Dad,” she says. “Huh?” “Not Uncle Dad, just . . . Dad.”