Page 51 of Pucking Daddy

I don’t think I slept.

Not really.

There were moments where I must’ve drifted off—because at some point the sky went from black to that pale gray-blue that signals morning—but my brain never actually shut down.

It just… looped. Over and over.

I want us to get married.

I groan into my pillow and drag it over my head like that might muffle the memory.

It doesn’t.

Because my brain, traitor that it is, replays everything in vivid detail.

I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling.

“This is insane,” I mutter.

Objectively insane.

So why am I even considering it?

I throw the covers back and sit up, because lying here clearly isn’t helping.

If I’m not going to sleep, I might as well do something productive.

I start the morning routine, getting everything ready for Lily. Jaxon has early practice today, so he’s already gone.

After Lily leaves for school, I spend the morning researching a dinosaur craft project I want to do with her and tackling a few chores around the house.

Keeping myself busy helps.

Still, I’m grateful when it’s finally time to pick her up from school.

Kids spill out of the school building in waves of noise and color, backpacks bouncing, voices overlapping.

“Zara!”

Lily spots me instantly and runs toward me like I’m the most important person here.

Something warm blooms in my chest before I can stop it.

I crouch down just in time to catch her as she throws her arms around my neck.

“Hey, dragon queen,” I say, hugging her tight.

“I was the best reader today,” she announces immediately.

“I believe it.”

“And I didn’t forget my math this time.”

“A truly impressive achievement.”

She beams at me, completely pleased with herself, and takes my hand as we start walking.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask.