“What does happiness mean to you, sweet boy?” Spence asks.
“Right now? You and Lexi. My brothers and the rest of my family.”
“And in the future?”
I roll onto my side and pick at the cushion beneath my head. “I don’t know. I guess I always thought I’d end up like my parents—married, successful, happy, a parent. I didn’t expect to end up being a dad at nineteen, but I wouldn’t change it.”
“Sounds like a good future,” Spence says. “One you’re already realising. You have a beautiful daughter, and you’re well on your way to establishing a successful career. You’re an amazing man, and I intend to remind you of that every day.”
Heat rises to my cheeks. “Thank you, Daddy.”
I love the way he strives to build me up every time we talk. It’s working too. I feel more confident and able to tackle things. Okay, so Lexi’s jealousy is a massive stumbling block, but it’s one we’ll get through eventually.
“I’ve been thinking about teaching a lot this week,” I say.
“Oh?”
“I’m going to take your advice. When I go back on Monday, I’m not going to run myself ragged, aiming for perfection. I’m going to do my best, and that’s going to have to be good enough.”
“It will be good enough,” Spence promises. “I’ve got an idea about Lexi.”
“What idea?”
“Does she have any hobbies?”
“She likes to paint and draw.”
“Just like her dad.”
“Yeah.”
“Maybe you should give us both an art lesson.”
I laugh. “Really?”
“Yes. We can set up at yours or at my place, whichever you think she’d be most comfortable with. You can teach us to paint something. It’ll be fun, and we’ll be doing something Lexi is interested in and enjoys.”
“Making her the centre of attention?”
“Exactly.”
“You’d really be up for that?” I ask.
“Yes. I’ve tried a bit too hard the last two times. Maybe doing something more relaxed, where she gets to see me mess up and be a normal guy ,will help.”
I smile as a warm sensation settles in my chest. “You might be right. It’s definitely worth a shot.”
“What if I come to yours on Wednesday in time for dinner? We can all cook together and then have the art lesson afterwards?”
“Wednesday sounds great, Daddy, but also a long way away.”
“Five days.”
“Exactly. That’s almost a whole week.”
“We can talk. I’ll ring you when I get home from work each evening if you want?”
“I want, Daddy.”
