Page 17

After donning a pair of dark jeans, some sneakers and a navy blue v-neck, I open my bedroom door and walk down the hallway. I can hear a soft voice singing. It sounds like it’s coming from the living room.

I creep quietly into the main area to see what the girls are doing. Emily is braiding Penny’s freshly washed hair into two intricate braids that start at her forehead and go back to the nape of her neck. Penny is smiling as Emily sings Lavender's Blue.

My heart warms at the sight of them. I can’t believe next week Emily won’t be living here anymore. Who’s going to do all the girly things with Penny? I don’t know the first thing about braiding.

Clearing my throat to announce my entrance, I walk into the living room to join them.

“Daddy!” Penny jumps up and runs into my arms.

“Hey, munchkin,” I say, giving her a squeeze. “How was your day?”

“Amazing! We did finger painting, went to the library, and made cookies!”

I look over her head at Emily, who’s grinning as Penny relays her day.

“Sounds like Aunt Em is pretty fun.”

“The funnest!” Penny wiggles down and runs back to her aunt.

Emily hoists her up into her arms. They’ve grown so close over the last seven years.

“Okay, shoo! You’re going to be late for your date. Penny and I have a popcorn and movie night to start.” Emily gives me a shove toward the garage door.

“Okay, okay.” I put my hands up and chuckle. “See you gals later.” I wave to Emily and then place a kiss on Penny’s cheek as I pass by her on the way to the garage, which is connected to the kitchen.

Thankfully, I remembered to take my vehicle through the car wash on my way home from work. My classic 1974 Ford Bronco doesn’t tend to impress the ladies. But she’s my prized possession. Restoring her to all her former glory was the greatest achievement of my life … besides Penny and my doctorate, of course.

The few women I’ve taken on dates in the baby blue Bronco haven’t seemed too thrilled. If only they knew it’s the most expensive thing I own. But most women don’t seem to know much about cars, at least not the classics. And they have certain … expectations when it comes to doctors.

Like all doctors are supposed to wear ties for fun and drive BMWs. Ugh, no thanks, talk about boring.

I try to relax while I drive to Mariah’s house to pick her up by listening to Yo-Yo Ma’s first album. It was my mom’s favorite and I always listen to it when I need to get out of my own head.

Dates always go the same way for me:

1.They’re excited I’m a surgeon.

2.They don’t appreciate my choice in vehicles.

3.They’re disappointed I’m a single father.

Penny is my whole world, and if the woman I’m dating can’t see how amazing it could be to have her in her life, I’m not even remotely interested in going on a second date with them.

Mariah and I don’t work together directly, but she has worked with the other nurses in the surgical unit enough that she knows I have a daughter. Therefore, I’m hoping tonight goes well. Or at least better than my other dates have.

I pull up to a cute little house across town. It’s small but well-maintained, with pale yellow siding, white shutters, and wooden flower boxes under each window. I double-check the house number by the door to make sure this is Mariah’s place. After releasing a slow breath through my mouth, I exit the Bronco and walk up the tidy sidewalk to knock on her front door.

A minute later, she answers with a bright smile. She’s a pretty girl, probably just a few years younger than me. She has dark brown eyes and hair—reminding me a bit of Emily.

“Drew, great to see you.” She gestures for me to come inside.

“You too, you look nice.” I smile and stick my hands in my front pockets.

She looks down at her floral sundress. “Oh, thank you! So do you.” She gives my chest and arms an appreciative glance, then looks away awkwardly.

Mariah and I drive to my favorite taco truck near the Wichita River and eat in the picnic area they have set up. I never start out with a fancy date. The last thing I need is a woman who expects a constant myriad of fancy dinners and charity galas.

Nope, I need someone who’s willing to get messy and be adventurous. Someone fun, and hopefully someone who loves tacos.

And let’s be honest: who could possibly trust a person who doesn't like tacos?

The picnic area has a great view of the river, and the overhead bulb-lights give it a magical feel. Penny and I come here often and then walk along the river walk.

After eating, Mariah and I walked along the river for a while chatting before the evening came to an end and I took her home.

She was easy to talk to, and with both of us being in the medical field, the conversation flowed easily. Mariah seemed to enjoy herself, and she devoured those tacos. So that’s a good sign.

This was definitely the best date I’ve had in a long time, but I’m not sure I felt that “spark.” It’s frustrating that every time Sophie—my tenant and babysitter—walks into a room, my body is on high-alert. But when I’m with a woman who’s totally appropriate for me to date … nothing.

Perhaps one date isn’t enough to feel a spark. Maybe I’ll feel it on the second date?