“I wish you didn’t have to.”
Right then and there he decided he wouldn’t reenlist. How could he leave his daughter and miss out on more of her life? Yes, thousands of men and women in the service were separated from their children on a regular basis, but had they also missed the first thirteen years of their child’s life? Probably not.
“If I don’t absolutely have to, I won’t.” He wasn’t ready to tell anyone his decision. There were details to sort, logistics to settle. He had no idea how he’d make a living, but he’d find a way. “Have you thought about what you want to be?”
“A meteorologist,” she answered without hesitating.
“Ever since she was a toddler, she’s been obsessed with weather.” Serena chuckled. “Most toddlers ask to watch cartoons, but not Cecily. She’d fuss until I put a weather show on.”
“That’s great.” A fatherly pride grew in his chest.
“There’s a science camp this coming summer I might be able to attend if I earn a scholarship.”
“Can you go without the scholarship?”
She shrugged and deflected his question. “I’m going to get it.”
“I bet you will.” He didn’t miss the silent exchange between mother and daughter, and he knew enough to understand that money was a problem. This wasn’t the time to discuss it, but he’d make sure Cecily attended the camp, scholarship or not. He’d also ensure that he gave Serena money every month to support Cecily. Her stubborn pride would refuse it, but he’d insist and give regardless. “I heard you like to read. What’s your favorite book?”
“The Bible.”
Her answer couldn’t have surprised him more. “That’s a good book. The best probably.”
“Mom doesn’t like to go to church, but I go with Pawpaw. The Sunday school lessons are childish, but I like to read the whole stories when I get home.” Her face came alive as she spoke. “There’s more drama in the Bible than in any Hollywood movie.”
He glanced at Serena with a raised brow, as if to as whose child Cecily was. She seemed to catch his meaning and answered with a shrug and grin.
“I’m glad you go to church.”
“Do you? You should come with me and Pawpaw tomorrow.”
“I go with my mom whenever I’m in town, but I’m sure she won’t mind me going elsewhere considering the circumstances.” He winked at her. “Or maybe you could come with me, if that’s okay with your mother.”
Cecily shook her head. “Pawpaw would be lonely.”
“Then I’ll come with you, how’s that.” Her thoughtfulness concerning her great-grandfather said much about her.
In fact, everything he’d seen in this short time told him Cecily was an amazing child. Serena had done a great job raising her, and it didn’t bother him a bit to admit it. Miracles never ceased.
“Perfect.” Cecily’s stomach chose that second to growl loudly, and she giggled. “What can I say, I’m a growing girl.”
“In that case, we should get you food.” He darted a glance to Serena for permission. “Can I take you ladies out to lunch?”
“Please say yes, Mom!”
Serena’s face glowed when she smiled. He wanted to tell her she should do that more often, but it wasn’t his place. “We can go.”
“Where do you want to go, Cecily? Your choice.”
“Can we go to the China Buffet? They have the only egg rolls I like, and one of the servers is really cute.”
Lucas made a show of covering his ears. “Hey now, I don’t need to hear that.”
“Well, he is.” Cecily flashed him a devilish grin. “Mom thinks you’re cute.”
Serena let loose an embarrassed laugh. “That is not what I said.”
In the old days, he would have teased her, but he couldn’t let his mind think about whether or not Serena found him attractive. Rather than extend her embarrassment, he changed the subject. “Should we ride together?”
