“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but please tell me what your mother likes. I’ll look like an idiot if I have to call her.”
She laughs even harder. “She likes the jam-filled ones. Just get her a couple of those. And maybe some with sprinkles on.”
I place the order and the woman fills the box with the ones we think Cassie will like.
After paying, I turn away and walk out to the car.
When we’re inside, Sophie pinches my arm.
“That lady in there was flirting with you.” She giggles. “It was hilarious. You were completely oblivious.”
I laugh. “Was she? This is going to sound clichéd, but I don’t notice anyone but your mother.”
She beams a smile at me that warms my heart. “I love how much you love her. Dad … I mean, Mark did too. She deserves it.”
“You can still call him Dad you know.”
Sophie’s brows knit. “I just wasn’t sure. Because when you weren’t with us, he was my dad.”
“He was a good man, Soph. And he loved you when I couldn’t. I don’t mind at all.”
She bites her bottom lip. “I’m happy you and Mum are having a baby.”
“You know we’ll both love you just as much, don’t you?”
While she nods, there’s uncertainty in her eyes.
I grasp her forearm so she meets my gaze.
“I know I missed out on your early years, but you are my daughter. And I couldn’t be happier to have you in my life or more proud of you. I love you, Sophie Jane Cross.”
A smile crosses her lips. “I love you too, Dad.”
“Let’s get these donuts back to your mother. I’m sure she’s looking forward to the sugar rush.”
She giggles and nods.
I put the key in the ignition and start the car before bucking up my seatbelt and glancing over at Sophie to make sure she’s done the same.
She reaches over and picks up my phone. “The screen just lit up.”
After tapping in my code, she scans the screen and her eyes widen. “Mum’s been trying to call. There’s like a kajillion missed calls.”
Shit.
“I think she started when we went in for donuts.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s maybe fifteen minutes that I’ve been without it. “Let’s get going. You call her back.”
Sophie holds the phone to her ear.
I have to focus. Pulling out into the traffic, I do my best not to panic. This isn’t like Cassie.
“She’s not answering.”
“We’ll be there soon.”
I wind my way through the streets to get home. Thankfully we’re not too far away, and we soon pull into the driveway.
