Page 165 of Pucking Daddy

Lily slows.

Rachel crouches gracefully, arms opening. “Come here.”

Lily looks at me, uncertain, like she’s trying to figure out where it’s safe to go before she moves.

Rachel notices, and a flicker of irritation crosses her face before the sweetness slides back into place.

“I missed you so much,” she tells Lily. “Mommy wanted to surprise you.”

Lily shifts her backpack higher on her shoulders. “You didn’t say you were coming.”

“No, sweetheart. That’s why it’s a surprise.” Rachel steps closer before Lily can say anything else. “I thought maybe we could spend the afternoon together. Just us.”

My whole body goes tense.

Because that wasn’t the plan. Because Rachel isn’t on Lily’s pickup list. Because this is wrong on so many levels.

But Rachel says it all with such easy certainty that for one dizzy second I understand how dangerous she is.

How a child could be swept into that tone. How a school office could be charmed if no one checked twice.

Lily’s eyes dart to me again.

Rachel reaches for Lily’s hand and she lets Rachel take it.

Just for a second, I freeze.

One stupid, awful second where Rachel’s words are still in my head.

You’re useful. You’re temporary.

It lasts maybe a heartbeat.

Then Lily takes one tiny step toward Rachel, not because she’s eager, not because she feels safe, but because she’s six and adults are supposed to know what they’re doing.

And that snaps something in me clean in half.

I move. “She’s not going with you today.”

My voice comes out calm and steady.

Rachel turns her head slowly. “Excuse me?”

I step closer, putting myself within reach of Lily without yanking or making a scene. “You’re not authorized for pickup.”

Rachel’s expression barely changes. “I’m her mother.”

“I know who you are.”

“Then I’m not sure why you’re speaking to me like I’m a stranger.”

Because this is wrong, I think again.

“Lily is leaving with me,” I say evenly. “Please stick to the approved visitation schedule.”

Rachel lets out a quiet laugh. “That’s adorable.”

She looks down at Lily. “Sweetheart, get your things. We’re going.”