Pausing in the hall, I leaned against the wall and took a breath. The last five minutes had felt like they’d lasted five years. I was absolutely exhausted, but it had gone better than I could’ve hoped for. There were no tears, well, none from Cass anyway, and no tantrums, something I was counting as a win.
I could hear Mom and Cass discussing where they should put the vase of flowers. Mom was advocating for the kitchen table while Cass wanted them in her bedroom. Not wanting to leave Jake too long, I stepped in and interrupted.
“Ready to go to the park?” I asked Cass, reaching into the refrigerator and pulling out her water bottle.
“Yes, Mom,” she replied, complete with a roll of her eyes which had Mom fighting to contain her laughter.
“Go get your bag, please, and we will go.”
Cass forgot all about the flowers and raced out the door to find her backpack. I’d been caught out before just ducking down to the park, something I promised myself I’d never do again. That girl’s unicorn backpack contained everything we needed for an outing, and I wasn't leaving home without it.
“How is he?” Mom asked, leaning against the counter.
“Okay, I think. Maybe a bit overwhelmed.”
“That’s understandable. It must be a big shock for him. I mean, he knows he has a daughter, but seeing her in person is completely different.”
“I know,” I agreed as guilt flitted through me again.
“Just don’t expect too much too soon. From any of you. It’s going to be an adjustment and take time.”
“I’m trying.”
Mom came toward me and kissed my cheek. “You’ve got this.”
And all I could do was hope she was right.
ChapterTwelve
Jake
Iwas driving a mom mobile.
Never in a million years did I think I’d be behind the wheel of one of these.
Hell, I could just imagine what Nash and Sawyer would say if they saw me now.
When I’d walked out the front, I’d headed straight for my truck, assuming I was driving. It wasn’t until Kellie pointed out the lack of a car seat that it hit me. I might be a father, but I certainly wasn’t ready to be a dad.
Kellie, to her credit, didn’t let my lack of child restraint stop us, though. Instead, she tossed me her keys and helped Cassie into her seat. After adjusting the driver's seat, so I could drive without my knees around my ears, we were in and on the way to the park. Getting there was an adventure in itself. I swear Cassie didn’t stop talking or singing the whole way there. The girl could probably talk underwater with a mouthful of marbles. And her singing. I don't think she could hit a note to save her life, but I’d never heard Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” sung with such enthusiasm. It didn’t matter how bad she sounded I couldn’t help but smile.
“Left up here and then just pull into the parking lot,” Kellie instructed from where she was sitting silently beside me, clutching Cassie’s bag to her chest.
Until now, I hadn’t let myself think about how hard this must be on her. I’d been so caught up in my head, worrying about Cassie liking me, I hadn’t stopped to think what this must be doing to my Marshmallow. I knew without a doubt, though, Kellie was an amazing mother, not that I ever had a doubt. I wanted to reach across the console and take her hand in mine, but I had no idea if I should. If Cassie wasn’t in the back seat holding her own one-woman show, I wouldn’t have hesitated, but with her here, I didn’t know what was appropriate.
Pulling into the parking lot as directed, I parked under the tree and killed the engine before getting out.
Rounding the car, I opened Kellie’s door and offered her my hand. Ignoring the strange look on her face, she took it, and the moment her fingers tangled with mine, a current zipped through me.
“Thanks,” Kellie replied, her breath catching as her cheeks turned pink.
“Can I take that?” I asked, pointing to the bag, feeling like I needed to be helpful.
Kellie handed me the bag before helping Cassie out. The moment her feet hit the ground, Cass was off and moving, and I swear I aged ten years as she tore away from us.
“Should she…” I spluttered, panic consuming me.
“Breathe, Jake,” Kellie chuckled. “She’s fine. She’s heading for the swings.”
