Page 11 of An Unexpected Chance

“How come?”

I blew out a breath. “Because sometimes grown-ups like to have time with other grown-ups.”

“You don’t like Uncle E and Auntie Holly?”

I laughed and kissed her again. “Yes, I do. Very much. But other grown-ups are fun too. Just the same as you like playing with other kids besides your cousins.”

She nodded. “Is your date a lady?”

“Yes. A very pretty one.”

“Do I know her?”

“Yes. Ms. McNeil.”

Her eyes grew round. “I like her.”

“I like her too. So I’m taking her to dinner to give her a chance to see if she might like me too.”

“And I can’t come?”

“Not tonight. Maybe another time.”

“Okay,” she replied easily. “Aunt Holly says we’re having a sleepover. Are you having one?”

I felt the heat in my neck start to build, the skin getting damp. I never expected to be quizzed by my young daughter about dating and sleepovers. I wasn’t ready for this.

“No, just dinner and a music show,” I explained. “But it will be late, so Auntie Holly thought it best if you sleep over. I’ll come get you in the morning.”

She shook her head. “We’re having pancakes and going to the craft fair. You can come after lunch.”

I chuckled. There were always plans when it came to Holly. “Okay, then. I’ll come after lunch.”

She leaned her head on my shoulder, and we sat quietly for a moment. I stroked over her dark hair, enjoying the moment with her.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, Sweet Pea?”

“Are you gonna kiss Ms. McNeil?”

Instantly, my neck got hot again.

“Um…”

She looked up at me. “You kiss goodnight on dates. I know this.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think I would like it, but it’s a rule. So I’m not going to date for a long time.”

“Good plan,” I muttered.

“So, are you?”

“If it’s a rule, I suppose I have to,” I said with a grin.

“Just on the cheek. That’s fine,” she assured me.

“Got it.”

She jumped from my knee. “I’m going to go get my stuff ready.”