Her summer break just began, but I’d like her to keep practicing things she learned last year, and she excels at math. I’m trying to do everything I can to give her every advantage in life.
Naomi frowns and drops her eyes. I gently grab her chin so she can look me in the eye. “I thought you liked math?” I ask her.
She bobs her head. “I do, but I didn’t do it.”
“I believe in you, sweetheart,” I tell her and kiss her nose. “And if you do the worksheet, then we can go fishing. How does that sound?”
Her eyes light up, she squeals, and hugs my neck tightly. “Okay! Okay, okay! I’ll do it now!” she says.
I set her back down, and she takes off like a rocket full of energy I could use. It feels like yesterday when Rebekah put the newly two year old in my arms and drove away. I became a father in a matter of ten minutes. Rebekah told me she couldn’t do it, but knew I could, and left.
My parents immediately jumped in, but I didn’t want them to change their plans. They had already moved down south for warmer weather. They did their part and raised their kids. Plus, I have all the family I need here. I’m not on my own.
Plopping down at the giant farm-style table, I grab a couple slices of bread and build a giant sandwich.
“What I wastryingto say, Coop, is that you should come out with us when we go to the Wooden Cowboy. Maybe we can vet the women before you shoot your shot,” June says.
I chuckle and finish chewing. “Honestly, June Bug, it might be wise to do that because I’m striking out on my own.”
“Yeah, and your batting average is pitiful,” Fletcher mumbles around his food.
I shoot him a glare. “You’re one to talk. You married your high school sweetheart who wasn’t actually your sweetheart. You just had a giant crush for ten years and got lucky.”
Fletcher shrugs. “At least I’m getting lucky.”
“Ew, gross, little sister ears donotneed to hear that,” June grumbles.
“Where are the guys?” I ask them.
“They all grabbed something and went back down to the barn. I think they had a poker game going last night they wanted to get back to.”
I hum and finish eating my lunch.
“Cooper, I’ll make sure the math worksheet is done,” Aunt Dixie says from the kitchen.
“Thank you, I want her to hit the ground running for third grade,” I tell her.
She smiles and gestures for me to lean forward so she can kiss me on the cheek. “You’re a great uncle, Cooper, and you’re doing a wonderful job with her. Don’t forget that.”
I wince, rubbing the ache in my chest. I’m doing my best to provide everything I can for that girl. She has amazing women in her life, and so many people who love her. I know there’s a space in her heart for her mother, and she asks about her sometimes, but as the years have gone by, there are less questions. I just hope I’m doing enough.
“Let’s get back to it,” Fletcher says.
I grab my hat off the hook, following him out the door.
“Hey! Wait!” June yells, stopping us on the porch.
“Let’s go to the Wooden Cowboy tonight. I think we could all use a night out,” June says.
I chuckle and Fletcher grins. “You want someone to drive you and Gracie after getting plastered.”
June shrugs as if that wasn’t already obvious.
“I don’t know, June Bug. Aunt D has already been watching Naomi all day. I don’t want to put more on her.”
“I will talk to her. Don’t worry about that.”
I glance at Fletch, and he shrugs. “I’m sure Tate is down. She’s been working so hard at the clinic, it would be nice to take my wife dancing.”
