Cherish & Blessed Read Online Free PDF

“Oh God, now I want cheesecake.”
    “No, no. The baby wants cheesecake. You’re just being a good mom and giving in.”
    “Oh, is that how it works?” She laid the napkin over her stomach. “You really need to keep those parenting tips coming.”
    “Sorry. All I got is what happens during puberty, and it’s a little early to scare you like that.” He winked, appreciating the giggle he got in return. For a long time, he thought Daisy was a snob, but underneath all the expense and pretension, she struck him as someone who had floated along without an anchor for too long and was just now getting her footing.
    Something else he could relate to.
    “Ugh. I just want to make it through labor.” Her pale skin faded a bit more. “At least Bennett is more freaked-out than I am. So that’s comforting.”
    “Is that sarcasm?” Matt took a sip of his water as the waitstaff swarmed, bringing plates of bread and dishes of olive oil as well as water and—most importantly—a frosted glass for his beer.
    “Yes.” Daisy sighed dramatically. “He’s ten times worse with the birth prep than with security, and you know how intense he is about that.”
    She and Matt dodged the leans and pours of the servers, trying to allow the staff to do their business. Bennett was still outside, taking a call in the limo.
    “Yeah, I know. Thanks again for helping me send children to college,” he teased and took a sip of his beer.
    “God knows I appreciate his concern and your hard work.” She reached over to pat his arm. “But the incident was three and a half years ago. We haven’t had any other problems.”
    “I’m going to go ahead and take full credit.” Matt gave her a wink as he leaned his elbows on the table. “But hey, listen, I get where he’s coming from. You’re the most important person in his life, and he loves you beyond reason. Know what? That’s scary as hell. To not be able to protect you—I guarantee it keeps him up at night.”
    Daisy’s face softened. “Is that how you feel?”
    “Evan is a cop—I’m scared every day he’s out there, no matter how much I trust he’s good enough to handle himself. That’s my thing. I remember him being in a hospital bed, and I remember how terrifying that was. And no matter how many years pass, I’m going to be driven crazy by my inability to protect him from everything.”
    Her lower lip quivered, and she nodded, dropping her gaze to her place setting.
    “It’s not that he doesn’t think you can take care of yourself. It’s more… not trusting the rest of the world.”
    “Cynical.” She looked up, a little smile playing on her lips.
    “Yes.”
    “Okay.” Daisy rubbed a few stray tears from under her eyes. “I’ll let him be frantic on my behalf.”
    “It’s all we overprotective men ask.”
    “Does Evan mind it when you fuss?”
    Matt looked around as if searching for prying ears. “Okay, here’s the thing. You can’t tell him, but—I’m so good at it, he doesn’t even know I’m doing it,” he mock whispered.
    “Sneaky!” She giggled.
    “Eh, I’m just that good.”
    “Good at what?” Bennett’s booming voice interrupted their quiet chat and sent the servers into a frenzy; a far-off door opened, and a line of people carrying trays entered the dining room like this was a banquet for royalty. Small plates of appetizers and salads began to fill the table.
    “Good at my job and deserving of another trip to the Caymans,” Matt said smoothly, snagging a plate of shrimp.
    Bennett snorted as he leaned down to kiss Daisy’s cheek. “You’ve really taken to this life of luxury,” Bennett teased, sitting down on the other side of Daisy.
    “I have, I really have. And seeing as it’s your fault….”
    Daisy laid her hand over Bennett’s on the table, entwining their fingers. “I think Matt and Evan might like to use the house this winter. Maybe January?”
    Matt swallowed some beer and shook his head. “I was teasing, Daisy. That’s