Ignite (Cloverleigh Farms, #6)

by Melanie Harlow

But I was here, I was trying my best, and I always put my children first—which was more than my father had done.

I woke up before my alarm went off and carefully snaked my way out of bed without waking the girls, which required tactics in stealth and breath control that rivaled what I’d learned in sniper training.

“Hey!” I gave my older daughter a sharp stare. “No cursing.” “But you do it all the time.” “That’s because I’m a grouchy old man, and I earned the right.”

No one is too old to be happy.”

But she was right—I did have weaknesses, and right now her mouth was at the top of the list.

“That’s a dollar-fifty, Daddy.” “A dollar-fifty!” I turned around and looked at them in the back seat. “You said yesterday the F word was only a buck.” Hallie smiled sweetly. “Prices go up on Sunday.” “Because of Jesus,” added Luna.

“Don’t be afraid to do things that seem scary. Even make mistakes. It’s how you grow and learn.”

It was crazy how well she understood me. It made me want to keep talking, turn myself inside out and admit that I was scared to see my father because I didn’t want to feel sorry for him—I didn’t want to feel anything for him, because I didn’t like things I couldn’t control, including that she was leaving and I was scared of being lost and lonely without her. That I was going to miss her so much it hurt. That somehow I’d fallen in love with her, when that had been the one fucking thing I was so sure wouldn’t happen. That my feelings were building and growing and spreading like wildfire, and I couldn’t contain them.

“That’s how I want to be loved—big and crazy. Because that’s how I love.”

Never let fear get in the way of being the kind of man you want to be. When you look back, what will matter most?

“I love you, Winnie MacAllister! I love you, and I’m sorry I didn’t say it before! I was stupid and scared. But nothing is right without you, and if I don’t try to get you back, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” Remembering Hallie’s advice for the ogre, I dropped to my knees on the grass. “Please give me another chance!”

“You ignited a fire in me I couldn’t put out. I couldn’t control my feelings for you, and I’m someone who likes to be in control all the time. But Winnie, that fear was nothing compared to how scared I’ve been that I lost you forever. I never should have let you go without telling you that I love you, I want to be with you no matter where you are, and even though you were in fucking kindergarten when I graduated from high school, you’ve taught me something incredible.” “What?” she whispered, tears falling freely now. I smiled at her. “To believe in happily ever after.”

“Winnie, the last year has been one of the happiest of my life. You’ve brightened every single day with your smile and your spirit and your heart. All three of us agree you belong in our family.” “Is it time for us now, Daddy?”

“The girls helped me pick out the ring, and they wanted to be part of this. I couldn’t say no.” “Of course not.” My eyes filled as Luna and Hallie came and stood behind their father. “Winnie, my favorite thing about you is your hugs,” said Hallie, as if she’d practiced her lines. “You always make me feel good if I have a bad day. Even if kids at school aren’t nice or I’m frustrated about something, I always know that when I see you, you’ll give me a hug and make me feel better.” I sniffed. “Thank you, Hals. I love your hugs too.” “My favorite thing about you is how you always have fun Band-Aids at your house,” said Luna. “And good snacks. I also like when you play salon and Barbies with me.” I smiled at her through tears. “I’ll always have fun Band-Aids for you. And I love our playtime too.”

Dex spoke up next. “My favorite thing about you is the way you see the good in everyone, the way you treat people with generosity and kindness, and the way you love with your whole heart.” He slipped the ring on my finger. “I know I’m just a big hairy ogre who doesn’t deserve a princess, but it would make me the happiest ogre alive if you’d ride off into the sunset with me.” “With us!” Luna added. “We told him to say that part,” Hallie whispered. I half-laughed, half-sobbed. “It’s good.” “What do you say, Winnie MacAllister? Will you marry me?” “Yes,” I squeaked, because I could barely find my voice. “Yes!”