Read A Child's Heart: Book Number Two in the Who's Your Daddy series for Free Online Page A

forehead to meet hers. “There is nothing that could keep me from being here for you now and forever, you hear?”
    “I hear, Javier, I mean—” she glanced over to her mother before continuing, “Daddy.”
    Javier’s insides warmed up and tears suddenly stung the back of his eyes at that one word. Daddy. “Can you excuse me?” Not wanting to embarrass himself in front of Nitika and Tesia, he fled into the hallway and around the corner. Luckily no one was around as he quickly wiped away the tears with the back of his hand. It took a while for him to gain control of his emotions and return inside the room. Mother and daughter were now watching television, still holding hands.
    “Are you okay, Daddy?”
    “Much better. I just got a little choked up, that’s all.” Nitika’s features softened as she looked his way. If it was anyway possible for her to look more beautiful, it was happening now. Before he could say anything to her, the oncologist stepped into the room.
    “Morning, folks,” he said with a smile in his voice, his gaze zeroed in on Tesia. “And how’s the princess today?” He proceeded to check her medication and pulled back the sheet covering her.
    “Okay, I guess,” she whispered. Her eyes closed slightly as the doctor examined her.
    Once he finished, he patted her on the shoulder and dipped his head in the direction of the hallway.
    “We’ll be right back, baby,” Nitika said. She planted a kiss on Tesia’s head and stepped out the room. Javier did the same and gave her a little wave.
    The doctor had his hands stuffed into his coat pockets as he waited for them to arrive. “Well, it looks like Tesia’s ready for the transplant.” He turned to look at Javier. “Are you available to go tomorrow morning?”
    Javier turned to face a shaken Nitika. He took her hands in his and waited until she looked up. “I’ll be here whenever you need me.”
    “Good to know. My staff will let you know the details.” With that, he strode away, leaving them in the hall.
    Javier pulled her into his arms and felt her whole body tremble. “It’ll be alright, Nitika. I promise.”

Chapter Five
    Nitika woke with a start and quickly tossed aside the blanket covering her. Tesia lay quietly in her bed despite all the beeping machines attached to her tiny body. The transplant took place the day before and all seemed well. The oncologist checked on her a couple hours ago and was pleased with her progress, especially the increase in the white blood cell count. She did have a slight fever, but they’d given her medication to reduce it. Nitika let out a small sigh and continued to gaze at her baby.
    Once the doctor determined Tesia was ready for the transplant, things moved quickly. Javier was admitted to the hospital and within three hours, he was in surgery having his stem cell extracted. Tesia was in a nearby operating room, awaiting the life sustaining gift from her father. All the while, Nitika huddled in the surgical waiting room with Elise, praying for a positive outcome.
    “How’s our girl doing?”
    Javier’s deep voice caused her to jump and place her hand over her heart. “Goodness, you scared me.” She looked to find him in street clothes and leaning against the door jamb. For someone who had just undergone a painful procedure, he sure looked yummy.
    He strolled over to the bed and bent over to place a kiss on top of Tesia’s head. She swore she saw his lower lip tremble before he straightened. “She’s looking good. Her coloring is better than a few hours ago.”
    “How would you know? This the first time you’ve been by here since the procedure.”
    “I stopped by a while ago. You were sound asleep.” He stopped for a beat and allowed his gaze to wander over her face. “I didn’t want to bother you since I know you’re getting next to no rest.”
    She opened her mouth to dispute his claim, but a yawn escaped instead causing both of them to laugh. “I guess you’re right.”
    “You