I was a terrible father. I had no clue. The few times I’d tried to help her with homework had turned into a colossal failure.
“What about art class?” Nina asked in a voice I knew all too well. It was the princess voice used when she’d been caught doing something wrong.
“Not yet. Not until you read me the passage in the book I mentioned and tell me what it’s about.”
“Ah. Do I have to?”
Her little face was scrunched up. She wasn’t used to someone who didn’t cave, giving her exactly what she wanted. It was damn difficult not to laugh. From where I stood, I noticed a beautiful drawing on an easel, vibrant in color. I guess I hadn’t paid close enough attention to the fact that my daughter was a budding artist.
The representation of the three of us was… magical.
And haunting.
Yet it tugged at my heartstrings. Especially when Nina started reading. It didn’t matter the story, what I heard was Selena’s voice the few times she’d read to me.
It struck me as hard as everything else had. I’d wasted so much goddamn time. If I didn’t stop now, both my life and hers would change dramatically.
When Nina was close to finishing, Lainey took over, helping her pronounce several words. I could tell Nina was excited that she’d finished the passage. As smart as my daughter was, she’d had trouble reading in public.
“That was amazing!” Lainey said and threw her arms around Nina’s shoulders.
“You think so?”
“I do. I think you’re going to be ready for reading that to your daddy for his birthday.”
What the fuck? My birthday. I did a few calculations in my mind. That was in two days. Well… Shit. I backed away, realizing I’d just spoiled a surprise.
A few seconds later, I pretended like I was on the phone as I walked toward the door, ending the fake call just before knocking.
“Daddy. Don’t come in.”
When Nina raced toward the easel, Lainey came rushing toward me, winking as she ushered me out.
“No peeking. You never come up here.” Lainey pushed me back even further into the hallway until I almost tripped.
My reaction? I grabbed her, pulling us both against the wall until she was firmly placed in my arms. “It is my house.”
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded as she wiggled in my hold.
“Just keeping you from falling.”
“Uh-huh. You heard and you saw the picture.”
I placed my finger across my lips. “Shush. I won’t tell if you won’t tell.”
“Maybe you can convince me to keep your secret, but it will cost you.”
Narrowing my eyes, I hemmed and hawed a little. “Would a trip into town and maybe ice cream and a little shopping help? I also heard there’s a petting zoo.”
Nina squealed, racing from the room, throwing herself into my arms.
“I think that’s a yes,” Lainey whispered, her smile a reminder that my brother was right. I’d already fallen hard for this woman.
Standing silently for a moment, seeing the way she continued to interact with my daughter brought several emotions and another intense ache in my heart. Yet this time, instead of feeling little more than sadness or the same level of anger that had never vanished, I felt something I’d never expected.
Hope.
“Okay, girls. Let’s pack it up and get ready. Time to have a little fun.”
