Page 71 of Manhattan Kiss

I hand him the bobble when he gets to the end and he fumbles, but manages to secure it. He steps back to admire his work.

“I can’t believe I did that,” he says, putting his hands on his hips.

“You see—great job.”

He lets out a half laugh and raises his eyebrows like he’s shocked at how well it turned out.

Willow reaches back to feel the plait. “Can I see?” She jumps off the stool and runs to the bathroom. “I can’t see,” she calls.

“Have you got a hand mirror?” I ask.

We both head to where Willow’s calling out. There’s a hand mirror on the counter and I arrange it so she can see the back.

“Daddy, you did a really good job!” she says. “It’s just like how Mommy does it.”

He leans forward and gives her a kiss on the top of her head. “I’m pleased you like it.”

“You’re a good teacher, Aurora,” she says.

“Thank you. You have really beautiful hair.”

Willow nods. “Thank you. I know.”

“Good,” I say. “I’m glad you do.”

“Bedtime,” Deacon says.

“Can Aurora read me a story as well as you, Daddy?” Willow asks.

“You’ll have to ask Aurora,” Deacon says.

I shrug. “I’m happy to, if that’s okay with you?” I ask him. I know he’s very keen to keep Willow as settled as possible, so I don’t want to impose.

“Sounds good. Let’s go and find some books.”

Willow’s room is beautiful and stacked with books. It’s like she sleeps in the children’s section of a bookstore.

She has very clear ideas about what she wants to read and pulls out two books, and hands one to Deacon and one to me. “These first and then the book you brought.”

All three of us sit against the headboard of Willow’s bed, with Willow in the middle.

I have to go first. I’m a little self-conscious. I read to Darcy’s children all the time, but this time I feel under pressure. It’s ridiculous, but it’s almost like I’m on stage, with people looking at me. I read the book, using all the voices I can manage, and I’m relieved when we get to the end.

Willow claps and asks me to re-read it immediately.

Luckily, Deacon says that he wants to read his book. Willow relents and Deacon takes the spotlight. He’s clearly read the book before about a little girl and her dragon. He stops at various times, just before the end of a sentence, and Willow fills in the final word. They’re like a double act. It’s so cute. Deacon uses silly voices and asks questions as we go along.

When he’s done, I shift off the bed. “I’ll leave you two,” I say.

Willow reaches out her arms. “Hug?” she says.

My heart lifts in my chest, and I reach over and cuddle her. “Sleep tight, Princess Willow.”

“See you downstairs,” Deacon says, smiling at me.

At the door, I turn to see Deacon pulling up Willow’s duvet and sitting beside her. He’s so devoted. So nurturing. So caring. And more than that, he seems to really enjoy being a dad. Presumably he wants more children.

My stomach twists, and I creep out the door and head downstairs.