Page 20 of His Surrender

Just … Dad.

He scoops formula into a bottle before adding water, giving it a vigorous shake.

“Need any help?” I ask.

He glances over his shoulder, looking almost guilty that I caught him.

“I’ve got it.” He reaches into a mug filled with warm water, then frowns. “I can never remember how long Frieda leaves it in.”

I smile. “Can I?”

He hesitates for only a second before handing me the bottle.

I test a few drops against the inside of my wrist. “A little too warm.”

He watches as I run the bottle under cool water for a few seconds before checking it again.

“Perfect.”

His shoulders sag. “I swear every bottle feels like a science experiment.”

I laugh softly. “I promise it gets easier.”

“I certainly hope so.”

I lift Liana from the bouncer, and almost immediately, her little body relaxes against my arm.

Dean notices. “So, that’s your secret.”

“What secret?”

“She calmed instantly when you picked her up.”

I grin. “I think she was mostly wondering why her dinner was taking so long.”

“Possibly.”

We move into the living room, and I settle on one end of the couch with Liana cradled in my arms. She latches on to the bottle immediately, her tiny fingers curling around one of mine.

Dean sits beside me, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.

For a few minutes, neither of us says anything. The room is filled only with the soft rhythm of Liana drinking.

“So,” he finally says, breaking the silence, “where did you go to school?”

“Ohio State,” I answer while I watch Liana.

“You a big football fan?”

I lift my head up and find his eyes, then smile. “Does anyone go to Ohio State if they’re not?”

He chuckles. “Fair enough. What’d you major in?”

“Graphic Design.”

He nods. “That’s a good choice.”

“Thanks. I’ve always loved branding and advertising. Consumer behavior, social media campaigns …” I shrug. “I know it sounds nerdy.”