“Yeah, your mom and I were just talking. Gotta head out soon, though. What’s up, little man?” I asked, catching movement from the kitchen as Harper sprinted, slowing when she neared the stairs.
“I—“ Asher’s cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment, and he looked down. “I had a dream.”
Harper moved forward, climbing the steps, kneeling when she reached the second one from the top and gently pushing his hair out of his eyes. “A bad one?” she asked, concern lacing her voice. He shook his head, looking from his mom to me and back to her again.
“No, it wasn’t bad but…I couldn’t fall back asleep. I kept wondering something.” He peaked at me, looking back when his mom spoke.
“What is it?”
Asher looked back down the stairs at me. “What do I call you?”
“What do you want to call me?” My heart felt like it was in my fucking throat. Harper’s head swiveled from him to me, tugging her lip in while she watched.
“Dad?” it was more of a question, and he immediately looked to Harper to gauge her reaction, relaxing when he saw that his answer hadn’t upset her. In fact, she was smiling, her eyes misting a little, but she collected herself, placing her hand on his shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I’d like that a lot.” I managed, surprised I could talk at all.
“Okay,” he nodded, satisfied. A moment later, he yawned deeply.
“Let’s get you back to bed,” Harper chuckled, standing.
“Night…Dad.”
“See you tomorrow, bud.” I grinned, lifting my chin when he waved. They disappeared down the hall, their voices low and gentle. I found myself staring at the yellow paint. Cheerful and bright, just like the two of them.
Harper reappeared at the top of the stairs. Tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear, she descended. For a moment, time came to a standstill as I took her in. Every beautiful curve, the dimples that appeared each time she gifted me with a smile.
How had I gone over three thousand days without seeing that smile?
Exhaling sharply, I shoved my hands into my pockets to hide their slight tremble. That wave of regret just kept coming back to slam into me and remind me how idiotic I’d been.
Gramps tried to tell me, and if I’d listened…well. I wouldn’t have missed everything, and I wouldn’t have put that insecurity in Harper’s eyes.
She frowned, slowing on the last step, and I knew she had a read on my inner turmoil. Chuckling, I reached for her, drawing her toward me by the loop of her belt. “This whole day was amazing. Thank you for every minute of it.”
“Yeah…it really was.” She sounded mildly surprised by that admission. She studied me, teeth biting into her bottom lip.
“What?” I grinned, knowing a question sat on the tip of her tongue.
“Nothing,” she said, a touch of insecurity filtering through her irises before she smiled. “It’s getting pretty late.” Suddenly, her voice lacked the vibrancy and confidence it usually had.
“I don’t want to go, Harper. What I want is to take you to bed, fall asleep with you in my arms, and wake up with you next to me.”
“I think I’ll make you jump through a few more hoops before that happens.” She replied smartly, lips twitching with a smile; the vulnerability she’d temporarily displayed lifting.
“Fair enough.” I was happy giving her the lead, letting her decide what pace to set. It was a blessing to have a second chance, and I wouldn’t fuck it up. I knew it was going to take time—a fuckingtonof time—but eventually, she’d trust me again. I’d chase that vulnerability from her eyes and never give it a reason to appear again.
“What’s that grin for?” she demanded, fighting a smile of her own.
“Come pick out furniture with me sometime this week.”
“I told you, we’re not moving in.” Her easy smile had slipped away, and she frowned pensively at me.
“Not yet.” I teased, and she arched a brow.
“Cal…”
“I’m kidding, Harp, well, half kidding. I really do want your input. One of those rooms will belong to Asher, and I don’t…I don’t know what he likes.” I frowned at that, the sting of that hitting home. “I thought you could both come with me and help me pick some things out.”
