They were both a bit dizzy from lack of oxygen when he let her go. Her lips were swollen and her eyes were glassy when they met his.
She straightened out her apron and cleared her throat. “Okay, then.”
Daniel swore she wobbled a bit as she headed out front. He was an idiot to even entertain jealousy.
Maybe he’d drop a hint to Nilay to have their father stop by the classroom on Career Day. He could finally see what a fabulous teacher his daughter was.
DANIELMOVEDAROUNDhis small kitchen with comfort and ease, as if he’d been cooking here all his life, when the truth was, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually done anything more than nuke something. Tonight was different. A new beginning all around. He’d bought food to fill and stock his refrigerator as well as his pantry. He even had wineglasses and wine to fill them.
As he cooked, he paused to hit the FaceTime button on his phone. “Hey, Em,” he said as she picked up.
“Danny! What’s up?” She was half-off the screen, as she was clearly cooking, as well. “You know all I can see is the fridge, right?”
Daniel paused in front of his phone. “Hey. I’m putting away groceries. Remember that chicken Mom used to make with the sauce and—”
“You bought groceries?” She had stopped whatever she was doing, and now her face filled the screen.
“Yes, I bought groceries.” He held up his hands like he couldn’t imagine why that should surprise her.
“Wow, Danny, that’s awesome.”
“Focus, Em. The saucy-chicken recipe?”
“You’re going to make it?”
“Again with the surprised face. Yes, Emma. I. Am. Cooking. Dinner.”
She grinned, a knowing—and annoying—twinkle in her eye. “For Annika.”
Nothing got past her. Though this wasn’t that hard. “Maybe.”
“Danny—” she squealed, like only a big sister could.
“Daniel.”
“Whatever. This is for real, isn’t it?” Emma’s voice got serious.
“I’m making dinner.”
“Did you tell her?”
“Tell her what?” He turned away from the phone to put vegetables in the fridge.
“Daniel. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Her voice took on that big-sister tone he was so familiar with.
“Now you call me Daniel.”
“Did you tell her you won’t be a father again?” Emma’s stern face filled his phone screen.
“No need.”
“Daniel Bliant. Do not lead that girl on. You’re clearly involved with her if you are actually buying groceries and cooking for her. She has a right to know that parenting is not something you can handle. I mean, you can barely handle pediatric patients.”
“Em. It’s a nonissue. I can do it.”
“What do you mean you can do it? Do what? Be a father?” She paused for breath, her disbelief oozing through the screen.
He thought about Annika and how she had brought lightness to his life these past few weeks. He thought about how he missed her when he went to work. How he couldn’t wait to come back to her after every shift. How she made him feel invincible.
