AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I loved that Sophie and Kendall shared an interest in baking. It made a connection between them that much easier, but I had a feeling they would have found something else to bond over, regardless.
Kendall cut the cake, and we ate, standing at the island countertop. I could easily imagine more evenings like this. Kendall testing out various recipes and us enjoying them.
A little while later, Kendall was flipping through the TV menu, looking for a movie to watch. Sophie placed the cake carefully in a box, and I found a spot for it in the fridge.
“Is Melanie staying in town?” Sophie asked hesitantly.
It was probably her way of asking if Melanie was sticking around. “She’s staying at Juliana’s Bed & Breakfast for now.”
“You think she’ll move here?” Sophie asked.
“I don’t know. She stopped by to see Kendall earlier. Kendall seems really upset with her.”
“When she was leaving, she said she was willing to discuss a custody agreement.” Avery had said it was best if we could come to an agreement without involving the court.
“I’m going to push for Kendall to stay here. If Melanie wants to see her, she’ll need to move here.” I struggled with that decision, but Kendall said she wanted to stay in Annapolis, so I’d do anything to make that happen.
I glanced at the family room to make sure Kendall wasn’t paying attention and lowered my voice. “Kendall needs her mother. I hope for her sake she wants to be involved.”
“That would be best,” Sophie said.
“My plan is for us to live in Annapolis as a family.”
Sophie’s eyes widened, and I realized what I said. I held up my hands. “I meant, me, Kendall, and you. I wasn’t including Melanie in that. We’ve never been a family.”
Sophie nodded. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
I drew her close to me. “You and Kendall make me happy.
Tipping her chin up with my finger, I kissed her softly, cognizant that Kendall was nearby.
“Are you going to watch this movie, or can I pick?” Kendall’s voice broke through my consciousness.
I lifted my head, smiling at Sophie. I knew it would be the first of many interruptions. “We’re coming.”
Taking Sophie’s hand and interlacing my fingers with hers, I pulled her toward the living room.
Kendall’s face was pinched. “There’s nothing to watch.”
“What aboutField of Dreams,A League of Their Own, orThe Rookie?”
“Sports movies?”
“They’re inspiring, even if you don’t play sports.”
“I don’t know.”
“There’s a cooking movie you’re going to love,” Sophie said, holding her hand out to Kendall.
“A cooking movie?” I asked as Kendall passed Sophie the remote over my lap.
Kendall smiled triumphantly. “You’re outnumbered now.”
“I think I’ve always been.” Whenever I was with Kendall, I was consumed with making sure I was the best dad. I deferred to her needs. Now I had Sophie to think about, too. But it didn’t feel like a hardship. Love made everything easier. You ate food you didn’t think you would. You watched movies you didn’t particularly care for. As long as my girls were happy, then I was, too.
“There it is.Julie and Julia.” Sophie hit play on the trailer and settled into the couch cushions.
“No one cares if I want to watch this movie?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
