Our daughter gives her father the smile that says she trusts him with her life. “Yes.”
My heart squeezes. The way our girls look at J like he personally hung the moon and stars gets me every time.
J helps Willow onto her bike and positions himself behind her, his hands steady on her ribcage. “Remember what we practiced?”
“Eyes forward, pedal strong, trust the bike,” she recites.
“That’s my girl.” He kisses the top of her head. “Ready?”
She grips the handlebars tight and nods.
“Start pedalling. I won’t let go until you say.”
Willow pushes off, wobbly at first but finding her rhythm. J jogs beside her, his hands still supporting her.
“You’re doing it!” I call out. “Look at you go!”
Her face lights up with pride. “Let go, Daddy! I can do it!”
J hesitates for just a moment before slowly releasing his hold. Willow stays upright, pedalling down our driveway with growing confidence.
And then it happens.
She turns too sharp, overcorrects, and goes down hard.
J reaches her before the first cry leaves her mouth. He scoops her up, checking her scraped knee and elbow while she sobs into his chest.
“I’ve got you, baby girl.” His voice is so gentle it brings tears to my eyes. “You’re okay. Just a little scratch.”
“I f-failed,” she hiccups.
“Hey, no.” He pulls back to look at her. “You didn’t fail. You know what this is? This is your first war wound. Every rider gets them.” He traces the scar on his forearm. “See this? Got it the first time I rode without training wheels too.”
Her crying slows as she touches his scar with wonder. “Really?”
“Really. And you know what I did?”
She shakes her head.
“Got right back on and tried again. Because that’s what Reillys do. We never quit.”
Willow’s chin lifts with determination. “Can I try again?”
The pride in J’s eyes is everything. “That’s my brave girl.” He kisses her forehead. “Let’s clean you up first though.”
After we get her patched up with Wonder Woman band-aids, she’s back on her bike. This time when J lets go, she stays upright, making it all the way to the end of the driveway and back.
“Mummy! Did you see?” She runs to me once she’s done. “I did it!”
I hug her tight. “You were amazing. So brave getting back on.”
“Just like Daddy taught me!”
J comes up behind her and swings her into his arms. “Ice cream to celebrate?”
“Yes!” Both girls squeal in unison.
Twenty minutes later, we’re all settled on the back deck with ice cream cones. J has Jewel in his lap, carefully helping her eatwithout wearing most of it, while Willow chatters about all the places she’s going to ride her bike now.
