Page 72 of Living at 40

“I did talk about you all the time, and I’m going to be kissing you more.” Then he leans forward for another quick one before turning for his daughter in Mila’s room.

28

[Logan]

“How’s my girl?” I ask as Lorna stands in Mila’s room.

“Dad. I’m not a little girl anymore.” Did her first period just flip the switch on her attitude? I knew it was coming, but does it have to happen so quickly?

“Okay, young lady,” I state, dropping my random wares on the bed. I step up to her and pull her against my chest, pressing a kiss to her hair. I mutter into the soft, fuzzy downs. “You okay?”

“Yes. Autumn went to get me something.”

I nod against her head. “I brought you ibuprofen, peroxide, and pads. What else do you need?” I can do this. I can discuss her period with her. I’ll just keep things vague.

“Mom already set me up, but Autumn said she’d take me to the store tomorrow.”

“I can take you,” I tell her, pulling back and holding her by her shoulders.

“Dad,” she quietly groans. “Let Autumn take me.”

“Okay. Okay. But you can ask me anything or tell me anything. I’m here for you.” In all ways possible, I’m here for my daughter.

“I know, Daddy.”

I press another kiss to her forehead and walk her over to her bed opposite Mila’s. In the time it’s taken for Autumn to help Lorna, Mila has crawled back into bed and fallen asleep. Does Mila know about these womanly things? Do I need to be worried that Lorna scarred her? Am I going to be okay as a girl dad? Can I do all this again with another child?

When Autumn enters the room, the second I see her, I know the answer about another child, and I want it with her. Her reassuring smile tells me she’ll have parenthood handled, but so will I. I’ve already had eleven years of practice.

“Here you go, lady,” Autumn says, handing over a small bottle of water.

“Dad, are you still staying in the apartment with Mason tonight?” The question surprises me, and I tuck the blankets around her legs.

“Yes. Why?”

“Just wanted to know where you are.” The statement breaks my heart a little as I don’t want her to be worried that I’ll leave her.

“Autumn, are you staying here tonight, too?”

I glance up at Autumn. Will she decide to stay down the hall? Could I sneak into her room and then cross the drive to Mason’s apartment in the morning?

“No, baby. I’m going to my place tonight. Why? Do you need something else?”

“But you’ll be back in the morning?” Lorna asks for reassurance, and I sense her fear of being left behind. I have a long road ahead of me with my child and the assurance she needs that I’m not going anywhere.

Autumn reaches forward and cups Lorna’s face. “I’ll be here in the morning. What do you want for breakfast? We need to celebrate.”

“What are we celebrating?” I ask like a dumbass.

“Womanhood,” Autumn states, winking at a blushing Lorna.

“Okay. Time for bed.” I check that her phone is on the stand and point at it. “Call me if you need anything.”

I’ve had restless nights the last few weeks, worried I’d sleep through another desperate call from Lorna or, worse, get a call that Chloe kidnapped her. I didn’t want to think so poorly of my ex-wife, but she developed a deep fear in me.

“Night, Dad,” Lorna says, nestling down into the blankets. “And thank you, Autumn.”

“Anything you need, honey,” she sweetly responds to my little girl. My little woman, excuse me, and God help me.