Worth It (Damie)

Part 24

A/N: Thank you guys again for getting this story to the 70k mark with your votes, comments, and shares! I appreciate every single one of you, and I hope you never forget how much your support means to me. A little side note (sorry), when I originally began writing this story, Jamie was using the name Phoebe for his second daughter and not Elva, which is why I decided not to name her, to avoid the confusion. But from here on out I'll just use her real name since it's public knowledge. Hope you enjoy this chapter! A little prelude to some Freed promo ;) xo

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I'm in the living room watching sports when Dakota re-emerges from her shower. She went to hot yoga this morning and has some afternoon appointments to fill. Zepp wags his tail against the floor as she scratches him when she passes on her way to me.

"I need to leave soon," she says approaching.

"Do you have to?" I smirk, dropping my feet from the coffee table for her to sit on my lap. She straddles me and drapes her arms around my neck, pecking my lips.

"I have to pick a dress for the premiere and coordinate accessories in advance."

"Mmm," I hum. "Something sexy I hope."

She giggles when I slip my hands under the back of her shirt to tickle her soft skin.

"I was thinking a turtleneck." She purses her lips to keep from laughing.

"You're hilarious, baby, really." I kiss her again. "And you smell like me."

She grins proudly. "Do I? Must've used the wrong body wash. My bad."

I chuckle. "Glad I haven't made a similar mistake and gone out smelling like berries."

She snorts. "I might have to steal some of yours next time I'm on a trip, so I don't get separation anxiety."

"Or we'll just glue our hips together and not worry about it."

"Would make for awkward sex." She scrunches her nose.

I shake my head. "Will you be home for dinner? I was thinking steak and baked potatoes."

"Yum. Yes, I'll be home in time to enjoy my man's cooking." She winks.

I go to add to our witty banter when the doorbell rings. I wrinkle my forehead. "Are we expecting company or a package?"

"I don't think so."

"Then let me get it." Very few people have our address, and that's to avoid unwanted visitors like this.

I unlock the door, answering it, and my mouth drops open.

"Daddy!" Dulcie yells and tackles my leg.

Amelia stands on the threshold with Elva on her hip. "Hello, James."

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Did you miss me, Daddy?" Dulcie diverts my attention.

I look down at her and pull myself together. "Of course I did!"

"Kota!" She ditches me and runs off toward her.

Dakota catches her, lifting her into a hug. "Hello, pumpkin."

"Can we come in?" Amelia asks.

I narrow my gaze. "I can't very well say no, can I?"

Her smug smirk isn't lost on me as she walks by and sets Elva down. She waddles off toward Zepp who is excited to have visitors.