Lucky’s head snaps up, her big brown eyes finding mine. “Yeah, Daddy?”
“How would you feel if Daddy invited some of his friends over to visit tonight?”
Her lips form a perfect circle. “Who?”
“Some of my friends that I play hockey with,” I say. “Robbie Mason and his girlfriend, Fran. Dallas Shaw and the lady he’s marrying soon, Emily. And my best friend, Logan, and his girlfriend, Millie.”
I can tell by the way her chest hitches that the thought of meeting so many new people at once makes her nervous.
“They’re all super friendly, I promise,” I assure her. “And Hannah will be here, too. And Allie.”
“And me!” my dad pipes up, playfully nudging Lucky, offering her a wink.
Lucky’s lips twist to the side as she considers the proposition.
“And if you feel at all overwhelmed or nervous in here”—I place my hand over her chest, over her heart—“you just let me know, and I’ll tell everyone to leave.”
Her eyes flare. “Daddy, that’s rude.”
I shake my head. “No, baby. If ever you’re uncomfortable, no matter when, no matter what, I need you to know that you can always say no. That goes for now, and that goes for always. And I need you to promise me that.”
“I promise.”
I don’t know if she really understands what I’m talking about, and I hate that I even have to tell her. But I will continue instilling this into her for as long as I live to catch a breath.
For now, though, tonight is all that matters, and I want her to know she has the final say. I don’t care if Dallas is half-way through his fucking meal. If Lucky wants him gone, he’s out of here.
“So, what do you say, Lucky Duck? Wanna meet some of my friends tonight?”
Her hands twist together in her lap, and I place my hand over hers, and she looks up at me. “Okay, Daddy.”
CHAPTER 34
HAPPY
“Hey, so I’m so proud of you.”
I look up from where I’m clearing Lucky’s collection of crayons and markers and Disney coloring books from the long dining table to find Allie helping. She’s been upstate, visiting her folks, and when she got home earlier to Lucky’s news update that not only is Hannah Daddy’s girlfriend, but that Daddy’s friends are coming to the house tonight, the look she gave me was the kind of look you’d expect to see from a parent watching you graduate.
I sniff a laugh. “Thanks,Mom.”
“I’m serious, Happy,” Allie says, touching my arm, suddenly right beside me. “This is a huge deal. For Luckyandfor you.” She looks up at me with a soft smile. “But I hope you know you’re doing the right thing.”
“Thanks,” I say again, genuinely this time.
Allie wraps her arms around me in a hug that I return.
“We’re ready!”
Allie and I turn around in time to see Hannah walk down the stairs with Lucky holding her hand, dressed in cute little denim dress I’ve never seen before and her favorite pink Converse high tops, her blonde hair in two braids, and glittery pink glossshimmering on her lips. I hate to see how nervous she looks, clutching so tight to Hannah’s hand, and it causes something tight to clench around my heart.
“Wow, Lucky, you look amazing!” Allie says. “I love that dress.”
“Hannah got it for me,” Lucky says, looking down at herself.
Hannah offers a sheepish smirk. “I was at Nordstrom on my lunch break.” She spears me with a knowing look, and suddenly my mind flashes to that fucking red dress.Not the place or time, penis.“I saw it and I couldn’t resist.”
“Well, I don’t know when my five-year-old suddenly turned into a tween,” I say gruffly, clearing my throat when the emotion almost gets the better of me. “But you look beautiful, Lucky Duck.” I cross the room and lift her up into my arms, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
