Page 38 of Hot Dad Summer

“It’s not too late. Help her make the memory book. Show her that she can be curious about her mom.” She reached up and cupped my cheek. “Everyone mourns in their own way, Wes. What you did to survive doesn’t mean you fucked up or that you’re a bad father. Not making a change now that you know what she needs would make you an ass. You’re going to make things better, though. Aren’t you?”

I nodded roughly and held her hand to my face, leaning into it. “I am.”

“Okay, then. There’s no need to drag yourself through the mud. Just do better. Hazel is a normal kid, Wes. You didn’t break her.”

It felt so good to hear Daisy comfort me and I knew in that moment how much more I needed of her in my life.

Daisy gently pulled her hand away and smiled sweetly at me. “Tomorrow’s a new day. Get some sleep.”

She turned to leave.

“Daisy.”

She stopped and looked back at me.

I’d spent weeks telling myself she deserved a better man than me. Someone who wasn’t still carrying around grief and guilt like they were a second skin. Someone who hadn’t touched her and then made her feel like shit for letting him. Standing there, watching her after everything I’d just heard her say to my daughter, I finally realized what fucking bullshit that was.

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“I need to tell you something.”

“Okay…”

“What happened between us wasn’t a mistake.”

She went still.

“I know I made you feel like it was.” My jaw tightened. “I fucked that up.”

“Wes-”

“No. Let me finish.” I reached for her hand. “I’ve wanted you for a long fucking time, Daisy. Longer than you know. Tyler leaving didn’t make me want you. It just meant I finally didn’t have to hate myself for it.”

Her lips parted, but nothing came out.

“When I touched you, I panicked. Not because I didn’t want it.” I tightened my fingers around hers. “Because I did. Because being with someone after Sarah was supposed to feel wrong.”

Her expression softened.

“It didn’t.”

“Wes…”

“That scared the shit out of me.” I swallowed hard. “And instead of dealing with that like a grown man, I made you feel like you were something I regretted. And I’m so fucking sorry.”

She smiled and grabbed my hands. “I don't want you changing your mind again.”

“I won't.”

Her eyes lifted to mine. “How do I know that?”

“You don't.”

She frowned.

“Not yet.” I brought her hand to my chest. “So I’m going to show you.”

“Show me what?”