Chapter 22: Mini Me

Just for a split second, when she uttered the word she said, even with the tone of sarcasm made me imagine our future with our little children messing around the house as their cute little laughter echoed across the room. I couldn't wait to be a father. The thought of hearing her call me "Daddy" someday was enough to put a smile on my face.

I playfully teased her, "Call me Daddy from now on."

"That's so cheesy," she retorted. "You're not my father."

I chuckled and persisted, "You can either call me Az or Daddy, your choice."

She huffed in annoyance, "Fine. I'll just stick with Az."

"Say it," I challenged with a smirk on my face.

"AZ!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out in frustration.

The sudden volume of her voice nearly burst my eardrum, causing a sharp pain in my ear. I almost dropped my phone as I pulled it away from me briefly.

I chuckled, my ears still ringing from the sudden burst of sound. "Calm down, babe. You’re hurting my ears," I said, still teasing.

Despite her