Seeing her again has opened the floodgates. Remembering a time when I was blissfully happy and so in love is bittersweet. If I could go back, there are so many things I would do differently. The usual conflicting thoughts twist in my gut because, if things were different, Darcy would not exist, and I can’t imagine a world without my daughter in it. Didn’t think I’d have to imagine a world without the love of my life either, but those are the cards fate dealt me.
“Just stop this!” She finally snaps, stalking over to my car with a face like thunder. She’s looking a little hot and bothered under her expensive skirt suit, and her feet have got to be killing her, yet we’re only halfway down the winding driveway.
I put the car in park and look at her. “Get in the fucking car, Astrid. I won’t touch you or speak to you. I’ll just drive you home, and then you can curse me out as much as you like. But if you think I’m driving away and leaving you like this, you clearly never knew me.”
“I already know that, jackass.”
My lips twitch. “You’re not acting veryadult-like.”
“Insulting me is hardly mature.”
I cleave out a sigh. “Please, Astrid. Please, just get in the car so I can ensure you get home safe. I have no ulterior motive. I swear.”
“Fuck off.” She turns around and stomps off, and I sigh.
I start the engine and resume trailing her. Ten minutes later, when she almost takes a tumble over a patch of gravel, I decide that’s it. I’m debating getting out and tossing her over my shoulder when a crack of thunder rumbles overhead. She lifts her head as I pull up to the curb and kill the engine.
I get out of the car and stand in front of her. “Come on, stubborn. Just get in.” I expect more protesting, but it seemsshe’s run out of steam. Astrid remains silent as I open the passenger door, waiting for her to situate herself before I take her briefcase. “I’ll put it in the back,” I confirm before closing her door. Rain falls in thick sheets as I deposit her briefcase on the back seat and run around to the driver’s side. Wet splotches decorate my white shirt as I slide behind the wheel, close my window, and drive off.
60
CALLAN
Ikeep the music on low as we drive down the driveway, picking up speed once we finally exit the resort and head onto the main road. The air is heavy with all the unspoken words between us, but I keep my promise, saying nothing and keeping my eyes on the road so I don’t make her uncomfortable. Even having her here, in my space, with the scent of her perfume wafting through the air, thrills me to no end. Which just proves how completely pathetic and desperate I am.
My phone rings through the car sound system with an incoming call from my mum. I answer immediately. “What’s up? Is Darcy okay?”
“She wants to say goodnight to you.”
I glance nervously at Astrid, but she has turned her face to the window, watching raindrops drip down the glass.
“Hi, Daddy!”
“Hey, princess. Are you being good for Nanny and Granddad?”
“I’m always good, Daddy. We made barmbrack for you. I stirred it and put it in the tin, and Nanny let me lick the wooden spoon!”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Astrid stiffening.
“I can’t wait to taste it.”
“I miss you.”
“Miss you too, honey.” It’s rare Mum takes her during the week, though she usually sleeps over once or twice a month at weekends so I can head out for a few beers with the lads. “I’ll be over first thing to take you to school, and how about we get pizza and ice cream tomorrow night for dinner?”
“Yay, Daddy. You’re the best daddy in the whole wide world, and I love you this much.”
I chuckle, wishing I could see her adorable little face. “Love you too, princess. Daddy’s got to go now, but sweet dreams, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Bye, Daddy. Sweet dreams too.”
I cast a glance at Astrid, but she’s still staring out the window, pretending like she didn’t hear every single word.
“She’s fine, Callan,” Ma says.
“Thanks for taking her today.”
“You know she’s no bother.” She clears her throat. “I heard a rumor today.”
