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Grabbing Beast and his stuff, plus some clothes and essential items, I head off to the toy store on my way to Zoey’s. I saw something online today, and Ihaveto get it for Hailee. I just hope it doesn’t come across as me trying to butter her up with the whole me and her mother getting married thing. I am buying it for her because I know she will love it.
Pulling my car up in the parking lot, I slide the window down a little and lean down to the cat crate peeking in to see Beast practically passed out fast asleep. I’ve never known a cat to be so relaxed in a crate. Shaking my head, I smirk. “I’ll only be a few minutes. You gonna be okay?”
His head lifts like it’s an effort to even give me that much attention. He looks at me, then promptly starts to lick his crotch. I nod and chuckle. “All right, I’ll see you in a few minutes. Enjoy your bath.”
He continues licking away, completely ignoring me, so I smirk and head out of the car, making my way inside the store. I don’t bother to try looking for the toy—I know they’re limited edition—and they will be behind the counter. Walking to the clerk, I smile. She looks me up and down as they always do, her eyes widening, her cheeks flushing bright red as she giggles. “Hi, how can I help you today?”
I glance down at her name tag. “Annabelle, beautiful name… I am hoping you can help me.”
She sways from side to side, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “I sure would like to try.”
I try to hold in my laugh. “I’m looking for something limited edition.”
She glances over her shoulder. “We have a few things left. What are you after in particular?”
My eyes shift to the glass cabinet to see precisely what I want, and I point. “That!”
Annabelle sighs. “Oh, isn’t he a darling? It’s the last one we have in stock…” she states. “For your child?”
My chest swells with a feeling I haven’t felt before—excitement, pride, a sense of family. “Stepdaughter.” I haven’t said those words before. I guess I haven’t had the chance to think about the fact that Hailee is going to be my stepdaughter. The thought floods me with such an intense sense of excitement that I can’t help but smile. I never thought of myself as the father type, but Hailee makes me want to be the father she deserves.
I want to be the dad that Kyle should be.
And I will be.
For Hailee.
“It’s not often we get stepfathers in here buying gifts like this. She’s one lucky lady. Would you like him gift wrapped?” Annabelle asks.
“Yes, please. Let’s make this as special as it can be for her.”
Annabelle places her hand to her chest, letting out a sigh. “Aww… is this for her birthday?”
“Just because she’s a great kid.” I shrug.
Annabelle smiles, turns for the glass cabinet, grabs my limited-edition specialty, places it into a beautiful box, and begins gift wrapping. “She’s one lucky girl to have such a wonderful stepfather.”
“I think I’m the lucky one. She and her mother mean everything to me.”
“My hopeless romantic self completely loves this. You’ve made my day. It’s so nice to see a blended family getting along so well. Okay, you’re all set. Will that be cash or card?”
“Card.”
She rings it up, and I tap my watch on the screen to pay. “Thanks for this, Annabelle. I really appreciate it.”
“I hope your stepdaughter loves him.”
“I know she will. Have a good day.”
“You too!”
I grab the bag and turn, walking out of the store, feeling like I may just be Hailee’s favorite person today. And I can’t stop the smile from brightening my face. When I get to my car, I place her present in the trunk and then slide in the driver’s side, glancing over at Beast to see he’s still licking himself. I let out a laugh while shaking my head. “Talk about stamina, buddy. Good for you.”
I buckle up and take off for Zoey’s.
It’s going to be a big night.
***
