Free Daddy's Home by A. K. Alexander Page B

That child hasn’t kissed me on the cheek in months. Made me think I was a leper or something.”
    “Nah. You’re just a dad, and it looks to me like you’re doing a good job. She’ll come around. Trust me. My dad is one of my best friends. It’s all growing pains.”
    “Indeed. Well, she took a liking to you, which I’ve got to say is about as close to a miracle as they come.” Brendan started loading the dishwasher.
    “Ah, so you bring lots of women here?”
    “No. You’re the first. But Meg doesn’t like anyone unless they’re a movie star, singer, super model, or in her select group at school. The rest of us are useless.” He shut the dishwasher door and pressed the start button. The whoosh of the system echoed through the kitchen.
    “She’s a teenager, Brendan. She’s normal.”
    Brendan accidentally brushed up against her. He smelled great, like smoky red wine and the woods. Something electric traveled through her body.
    This can’t be happening. Whatever this was.
    Before she even knew what she was saying, Holly slipped and said, “You know, if you’d like me to spend a little time with Megan, get a feel for where she is, give her a woman’s perspective, I could do that.”
    “You would do that? That might be helpful. I’m willing to try anything. I do think it could help. Like I said, the child hasn’t said good night, much less a kiss good night, in months. I’ve got to attribute it to her interest in you.”
    “Maybe she and I can get together this weekend. I can show her something of what I do. I am working over-time on this case, so I’ll probably need to head in for a while. She might be able to tag along. I couldn’t give her the details, but she could check out the crime lab, that sort of thing.”
    “That sounds good. I saw a bit on TV about those murders and in the paper. I’m assuming that’s the case you’re working. You be careful. He sounds like a real lunatic. I could keep the girls while you and Meg hang out, if it works with what you’re doing.”
    “I’ll see. Thanks for the offer.”
    Holly called out for Chloe who reluctantly came into the living room with Megan following close behind.
    “I thought I’d say goodbye, Holly,” Megan said. “Oh, I know I didn’t ask you, Dad, but I was wondering if you and Chloe wanted to come for Thanksgiving dinner?”
    Holly felt herself blush. She looked at Brendan whose face was probably the same color as hers. “I think that would be a wonderful idea,” Brendan said. “Do you have plans?”
    “Actually, it was just going to be me and Chloe. My folks are visiting my sister and her family,” she stammered.
    “Great, then. We’re all set.” Meg clapped her hands together and left the room.
    The little girls jumped up and down, thrilled to be spending their holiday together. Brendan and Holly both looked a bit stunned. “That’s the Irish in her. We like a big holiday.”
    “So, is there going to be a large group?”
    “A few hundred Irishmen, that’s all. No, I’m kidding. My folks still live on The Emerald Isle, and since their mum left . . . well, no, in other words. We were having a quiet Thanksgiving ourselves. Having you and Chloe here definitely fits in more with our idea of a holiday. It’ll be splendid.”
    “I really appreciate it. With these cases and my family away, I didn’t make any plans. Normally I would’ve had something pulled together . . . And I don’t want to intrude . . .”
    “Holly, hush. I’m glad Meg invited you. I would’ve invited you myself if I hadn’t thought you’d have something planned. But I know how work and life can get this time of year. All crazy. In other words, what I’m trying to say here is that we would love to have you.”
    “What can I bring?” Holly asked, rather chagrined.
    “How’s your apple pie?”
    “I make a better cheesecake.”
    “Beautiful. I like to serve dinner between three and four, but I hope you’ll come long before that. In fact, if