My dad catches my eye and comes walking toward me. “You’re smiling,” he says, leaning his shoulder into mine.
“I have lots to smile about,” I reply.
“That you do. She’s your perfect match, and Camden, he’s thriving, Baker. You’re doing an incredible job with him.”
“Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit. Sloane teaches him so much during their days together, and he loves her.”
I love her.
It’s time that I told her. I can’t keep biting my tongue and holding on to the words. I’ve been waiting for the perfect time, but I don’t think there is a perfect time, because if I’m being honest, every day, even the hard days, are perfect with Sloane in my life.
“She’s good for both of you.”
“I was just thinking the same thing, old man,” I tell him.
“I know it’s been a hard year, losing Natasha, but have you put any thought into doing something about it?”
“About what?” I pretend not to understand what he’s talking about.
“Keeping Sloane around, maybe a little something more permanent. You know your mom and I would love a few more grandkids. You’re our only hope,” he teases. He nods toward the living room. “I’m pretty sure Carl and Nancy would agree.”
“You know, I think Cam would make a great big brother,” I confess.
Dad slaps his hand on my shoulder. “Proud of you, son. You chased a dream and have a career that you love. You’re an incredible father, and that one in there, she complements you perfectly.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Daddy!” Camden comes running over and holds his arms up for me to pick him up. I do, and he grins, showing me one of the Christmas tree cookies he and Sloane made for our Friendsgiving yesterday, and we kept a few here for all of us to enjoy today. “Tree.”
“I see that.” Bending, I pretend to take a bite, and he laughs.
Sloane’s dad stands from the couch and walks our way. “Cam, come to Papa.” Dad holds his hands out for him, and my son goes to him easily, as they walk over to the Christmas tree. I’m sure my son is trying to tell him all about how he got to decorate it. I smile because that was a fun night.
Carl holds his hand out for me, and I shake it. “Thanks for inviting us,” he says. “It’s been a great day.”
“It has, but I’ll admit, every day with your daughter around is great,” I tell him. I won’t tell him that I’m in love with her—not before I say those three words to her, which is happening today. I’m tired of waiting.
He chuckles. “She’s special.”
“She is.”
“I won’t ask you if you’re in love with my daughter, because I can see that you are in the way that you look at her, and how she looks at you.”
“I want to marry her,” I blurt. “I’m not asking you yet, but be ready,” I tell him.
He laughs. “Noted. And to ease some of your worries, I’ll say yes. I’ve never seen her this happy. She’s so relaxed and carefree here. Settled, and that’s all we’ve ever wanted for her.”
“She made this house a home for us. I was drowning in loneliness and the pressure of coparenting with a woman who never wanted to see her son, and then my nanny quit, and Sloane offered to help, said I would be helping her… and from that day on, my life changed for the better. Sloane and Camden will forever be the greatest part of me.”
“And any future children, because we need more than one grandchild,” he tells me.
Instantly, there’s a lump in my throat. How easily they’ve accepted Camden as their grandson, insisting he call them Mamaw and Papaw. It’s humbling, and since today is a day of thanks, I tell him so.
“Thank you for that. You can never have too many grandparents, or aunts and uncles, apparently.” I laugh, then clear my throat, trying to break up the heavy.
“With your parents still in Philadelphia for the time being, call us anytime to babysit. The two of you need a kid-free night now and then, and well, we’ve got some spoiling to do with that one.” He nods to where Camden is now sitting on his wife’s lap, showing her the new toy truck he got today. The one that she brought him.
“We’ll do that. Thank you for offering.”
