“I guess I did.”
“I’m proud of you.”
The words hit harder than they should.
“I’ve been watching you since you’ve been back. And I am glad you found something that makes you happy,” he says.
I swallow. “Thanks, Dad.”
“And now you have a daughter!”
“That part still feels crazy.”
Dad chuckles. “First piece of advice, you’re never ready.”
“That’s comforting,” I reply.
“But you learn fast, you show up, every day,” he says.
“That’s it?” I ask.
“That’s the most important part,” he adds.
“I can do that.”
Dad studies me for a moment.
“You love Violet?”
“Yeah, I do,” I say with no hesitation.
His lips curve slightly. “Then don’t screw it up.”
“I’m not planning on it,” I say.
“Good.”
Later on, I call Riley.
“Tell me you got a ticket for the grand opening,” I say as soon as he answers the phone.
“Already booked the flight, I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Thanks man, also, the paternity results came back.”
Silence.
“And?”
“She’s mine.”
Riley let out a low whistle. “How are you handling it?”
“Still figuring that part out.”
“What about Violet?”
“I told her.”
