"Dad, this is the most exciting thing that's happened since you bought the new TV. Let me have this."
Wade sighs the sigh of a man who's been outmaneuvered by his own child. He nods toward us. "Coffee's in the kitchen. Help yourselves."
After we grab some coffee, we all migrate to the living room, Riley chattering the whole way about me and Sloane coming over for dinners and how she's going to need Sloane's help picking out a dress for the spring dance.
I watch Sloane handle it all with grace, laughing and teasing and slipping into my life as if it’s effortless.
Wade drops onto the couch beside me while the girls debate the merits of different dress styles.
"So," he says quietly. "The soccer coach, huh?"
I nod, watching Sloane brush a strand of hair behind Riley's ear as she makes some point about accessorizing. "Yep."
Wade nods along. "You happy?"
I don't hesitate. "Yeah. I really am."
His hand lands on my shoulder, solid and warm. "Good. That’s all that matters, man."
I want to let out a breath of relief. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that—needed his approval, his acceptance—until this moment.
"Thanks," I manage. "For being supportive….and not making it weird."
Wade snorts. "You found someone who makes you happy. Life's too short for anything else." He pauses. "Also, she's like crazy hot."
"Shit, Wade."
"What? I have eyes."
I shake my head, giving him a shove, but I'm smiling. “She is a total smoke-show, isn’t she?”
"Yeah, five alarm."
Riley's voice cuts through our conversation: "Okay, sonowwe just have to find someone for my dad!"
Wade's groan is immediate. "Riley. Shut it."
"What?!" She throws her hands up. "Uncle Ike has someone! Now, it's your turn!"
"I don't need my daughter playing matchmaker."
"You needsomeoneplaying matchmaker because you're clearly not going to do it yourself.“
"I'm doing just fine."
"Dad, your last date was like over two years ago."
"I've been busy?—"
"Withwhat?"
I'm trying very hard not to laugh. Wade shoots me a glare that promises retribution.
Sloane, meanwhile, has this thoughtful look on her face.
"Actually," she says slowly, "I do have a friend..."
Wade's expression shifts to alarm. "Oh no."
