“Yikes. That’s uh… That’s kind of sweet actually.”
I pull the spoon away from her before grabbing her a bowl and spoon of her own and pouring another bowl.
“So what? He jumped on his bike and came?”
“Yeah, basically.”
“Shit. So now what? Are you gonna tell her?”
“I don’t know. Should I? I kind of feel like I should. Especially if he keeps bending over backwards for her.”
“I mean, yeah.” She shrugs. “Maybe. You know I’ve never been a fan of Gabriel for you, but for Maggie he seems pretty damn good.”
“I know.”
That makes me so happy and sad at the same time. She deserves a dad who loves her unconditionally, but I wish he could have been good for me, too. The door opens before the room fills with giggles.
Maggie races into the house. “Mommy! Gabie took me to McDonald’s!”
Gabriel follows close behind, wincing. “Sorry. I hope that’s okay. I should’ve asked, but I didn’t think about it.”
“It’s fine.Gabie.” I laugh, winking at him.
“No.” He shakes his head. “Don’t start. She called me that at the park and has said it about a million times since. It’s very cute.” He points at me. “It is not cute whenyousay it.”
Maggie flops down on my lap.
“Anyway, I had a great time with you today, Mags.” He turns back to me. “I’ll head out.”
“No! Don’t leave!” She runs across the room, launching herself at him, and he catches her like it’s second nature. “Saturday’s movie night! It’s my turn to pick, but I’ll let you ‘cause you never had a turn.”
“Uh… I don’t—” He kneels, putting her down and tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “I mean, that’s your special thing with your mom.”
My heart cracks wide open.How am I supposed to feel good about my choices when he acts like that!
Every opportunity I give him, he takes, while trying not to step on my toes.
“It’s fine. If you want to stay and watch a movie, you can”
His eyes meet mine, asking a silentare you sure.
I nod with a smile.
“Okay.” He claps, beaming. “Movie night.”
Jess raises a brow, trying to send me signals telepathically.
WhenMaggie falls asleep halfway throughMatilda, like she always does, I slide out from under her to stand.
Gabriel pushes off his knees and heads toward the door. “Thanks for today. It meant a lot to me.”
I follow him out onto the porch, letting the screen snap shut behind me. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
He stops at the bottom of the stairs and turns back to me.Crickets chirp around us as the moon drenches him in a soft glow.
“How do you feel about telling her the truth? If you’re not ready, it’s fine, but she loves you, and I think it might be good for her.”
“Like that I’m her dad?”
