It’s so casual, the way someone would mention her favorite song was playing, but the words nearly stop my breath.
I still while adjusting lights, but Rowan straightens like he’s on alert. I sneak a glance at him, but his face is stony. I can’t tell if he’s hurt or shocked.
Mia busies herself with the final touches, adjusting an ornament here or there, and chattering on without a care in the world. “I don’t remember much about the Christmas she left though. Mostly that I was sad after. But now I’m having fun again.”
Emotions wallop me all over, harder and more fiercely, knowing the story behind her mom leaving on Christmas. I stare at the blinking lights I’m nestling among the branches. Will Mia ever have another one with her mother again? Would she even want one? I can’t fathom that kind of hole in my heart, but this girl is so strong and resilient. I admire her deeply. More than she might ever have imagined someone would.
Rowan clears his throat. “Cupcake, you haven’t had fun at Christmas in the last few years?”
Mia slides next to him, rests her head against his arm. “Of course I did, Dad. We always have fun—you, me, and Wanda. And Matilda, too, back home,” she adds. “But here—here I get a tree. A real tree! Like I’ve wanted for a long time.”
He gives her a sad smile. “I know. I’m sorry I didn’t get you one in the last few years.”
She wraps her arms around his waist. “It’s okay. I like Matilda a lot, and I’m not getting rid of her. I know why you didn’t want to get another one,” Mia says, and my heart clutches as I witness this touching moment between father and daughter.
It’s an exoneration of sorts—Mia forgiving her father for something that isn’t really a transgression but more of a coping mechanism.
But should I even be here? This moment feels private. I let go of the lights and inch away, giving them space, figuring I can fiddle with something in the kitchen. I don’t know what, but something.
Rowan clears his throat, runs a hand down her hair. “I should have gotten you one, cupcake. I knew you wanted to. I was selfish.”
“It’s okay. I understand. We still had fun with Matilda and Wanda. I’m just saying it’salsofun with Isla.” Mia spins around, her eyes scanning the room, then locking on me as I step into the kitchen. “Isla, can you help with this dog ornament? Wanda knocked it down.” Mia scoops up a wooden cut-out of a dog, then offers it to me.
I return to scrutinize the tree and find a spot. “Let’s put it here.”
“Perfect,” Mia says, and we hang it together.
When she turns around, she says to Rowan, “See? I told you it would be fun to have a tree.”
“You were right.”
“I usually am, Dad.” She shoots me a pleased look. “Trees are always a good idea.”
“They really are,” I agree.
Maybe I didn’t need to walk away. Maybe I was always part of this moment.
I look at Rowan. He seems relieved. Pretty sure hewasn’t expecting that conversation tonight, but I swear a weight seems to lift from his shoulders as we finish decorating.
When he walks me to my car a little later, he sets a hand on the roof. “How do you feel about trains?”
It takes me a beat to connect the dots. “I love them. Especially the Christmas train.”
“Perfect,” he says, then sets a time. “And wear a skirt.”
I’m already thinking of the perfect outfit and counting down till our fake-date that feels a little too real.
36
A DATING GIFT
ROWAN
I did my homework already—picked something I thought she’d love for our date.
But I also picked something that’ll help me win this fake-dating bet.
I did my prep too. Called The Sleigh Bell Special. Made the arrangements. Dropped off Mia with my parents, where they plan to review all the fun activities they might do on their kid-grandparent cruise. Then, since I didn’t want to add to their plate on their first night in town, I checked Wanda into the local dog daycare. Dog Tails has a location here, so that was an easy decision. My girl is happy.
