I reached out, dropping my hand to my side when I realized Willow was now fully awake and
watching us way too carefully. Somehow, it seemed she’d missed the minor PDA, but it felt like she
was scrutinizing us, trying to make sure I really did know her dad and how.
“Hey, princess. I heard you don’t feel good.” I followed as he carried her to the back of the store.
“Mommy said I got to spend the day with you, but you weren’t there,” she replied, her bottom lip
quivering. “Where were you, Daddy?”
Corey held her tightly. When he glanced over her head to me, I could see the warring emotions all
over his face. It’s okay, I mouthed, hoping he wouldn’t get stuck on how angry he was with his ex.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t home this morning. I had to work today,” he explained. I loved that he didn’t
mention the fact his ex hadn’t bothered to contact him before assuming it would be okay to bring him a
sick kid. “Are you okay spending a little more time with William until I get done?”
“How long?” she demanded. He set her on the counter, and she started swinging her legs as she
stared at him, arms crossed tightly over her chest and her lips pursed. “I want snuggles and ponies.”
“I know you do. I bet if you ask him nicely, William will cuddle with you,” Corey offered,
glancing my way. I nodded. I was totally over my head, but if that’s what she needed, I’d spend the
entire day with her curled up in my lap. “And wait until you see his TV. It’s huge!”
“You let me watch your big TV, Mr. William?” Her eyes grew wide and she nearly bounced her
way off the counter in her excitement.
“I think we can work something out,” I promised her before turning my attention to Corey. “Any
luck finding someone to come in and cover for you?”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I am trying but people here are as—” He caught himself before
cussing in front of his daughter. I chuckled; glad I wasn’t the only one who struggled to censor myself.
“Let’s just say everyone is more worried about themselves than helping others. Worst case, the
closing supervisor is supposed to be in at three. If things stay like they are, I should be able to leave
once she’s here.”
“We’ll be fine until whenever,” I reassured him. It was harder than I’d imagined it would be to
keep myself from drawing him into the hug I could tell he desperately needed. “And I already talked
to Jack. He’s going to find someone to cover for you tonight. If she’s still under the weather
tomorrow, we’ll figure out what to do.”
“I’ll just have to take the loss,” he replied, shaking his head. “It’s going to suck but I have a bit of
