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“Baby, it’s still soon to say I love her, but I like her a lot. And that’s new for me, maybe enough for now. I don’t think I could fall in love with a woman unless you got along with her too. You’re the most important thing to me, Carsen.”
She smiles, giving me that look that I’m sure all parents get when their children think we’re talking like a silly, senile idiot. “I know that. But if you like her a lot, and you want me to get along with her too, don’t you think I should meet her? I mean, more than just a freak-out in the kitchen where I froze like a dork? I want to meet her.”
I look up to Sarah for her opinion but she shrugs her shoulders. I think back to what Sarah told me before about living a little, having a bit of fun, and what Elise told me about showing Carsen what a relationship should look like, and my decision is easy.
“Okay, baby. Elise said she wanted to meet you too, and to let you know something.”
“What’s that?”
I lean in, whispering in her ear. “She says she’s not the boogieman. So . . . is dinner good?”
Carsen looks like she’s thinking for a minute, and I kick myself a little. For fuck’s sake, the kid just caught Elise half-naked in our kitchen two hours ago. Even if she’s asking to meet her, I need to slow my roll here and not move too fast. But my daughter surprises me every time. “Yeah, but we’re gonna need the supplies to make s’mores out back if she’s coming for dinner. Oh, and Aunt Sarah? You need to make those chipotle chicken wraps you kick butt with.”
I laugh. She’s not reconsidering. She’s making the damn menu. I smile at her, ruffling her hair. “All right, kiddo. We’ll get the supplies. But also, let me call Elise, see if she’s available for dinner tonight, okay?”
Carsen rolls her eyes. “She’s your girlfriend, Dad. Of course she’s available.”
Sarah snickers, and I can read her face clearly. If only things were that easy.
When the doorbell rings as dinner approaches, I’m nervous. I’ve never done this, introduced someone I’m interested in to my daughter. Hell, I never thought I would do this, at least not while she’s still a kid.
But fate intervened, I guess, and here I am. I’m excited for Carsen to get to know Elise though. I think they’ll like each other.
At least I hope they do or I’m fucked. Elise looks stunning. Her hair is pulled up, but curls cascade down her back and her cheeks are flushed. She’s wearing a pink tank top that shows a hint of her cleavage, but she’s thrown on a sheer jacket with a floral design all over it that dips long in the back over her jean-covered ass and a pair of white Chuck Taylors.
It’s more ‘city chic’ than what I’ve seen her in before . . . but it’s cute and I like it. She looks sweet and sexy, all rolled up into one tempting package. “Come in,” I greet her, taking her in my arms. “You look beautiful.”
I kiss her lips lightly, aware that we probably have an audience spying from the kitchen. So I keep the kiss quick, and Elise hums. She probably understands. “Thank you. And thanks for actually greeting me instead of stomping off like Conan the Barbarian.”
I chuckle. I have been a bit of a grumpy ass. I look down at her, lowering my voice just in case. “You ready for this?”
She smiles, her lips wavering a bit, but she nods. “Yes. I’m ready.”
I take her hand, holding it between us for a split second before turning and leading her into the kitchen, where Carsen and Sarah both scuttle back from the edge of the doorway. Busted, you little spies.
Sarah recovers first, offering a hand again but with a decidedly warmer tone than earlier. “Nice to meet you, Elise. I’m Sarah, this big oaf’s sister.”
I can feel the tension in Elise’s hand lighten at the casual comment, and I make a mental note to thank Sarah later for making this easier. She’s always known how to help make things easier for me.
Elise shakes, then offers her hand to Carsen. “Hi, Carsen. Your dad said it was your idea to invite me over for dinner, so thank you for the invitation. And I heard something about s’mores?” she asks, looking around the kitchen. “Mmm, I love s’mores.”
It’s perfect. She’s not treating Carsen like a little kid but is being genuine and treating her like the young lady she is, as much as I forget that sometimes. We head outside to the backyard. It’s one of my favorite family places around the house, a large flagstone patio with a fire pit and loungers that opens up to a green yard, blue pool, and a hot tub. “Whatcha think?”
