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And even when his body temperature cooled, and he rolled to the side, gathering her in his arms, the feeling stayed with him.
And he knew, if he didn’t screw this up, it could be this way forever.
The scent of fresh flowers and melting candle wax filled the Owl Hoot Resort and Spa ballroom. On the dance floor, grown ups in fancy clothes danced with children. Some shuffled, the kids standing on their shiny shoes while others went all-out spinning and dipping their princes and princesses.
Holding her little hand in his, Jaime felt a swell of love for his little girl. It was hard to believe she’d only been with him for four years. She was his whole world now, and he couldn’t imagine a life without her.
Kinsley took the clear plastic cup filled with pink punch and drained it. She did everything with gusto. With a stained upper lip, she reached for his hand. “Come on, Daddy. Let’s dance.”
In her fluffy princess dress, she led the way onto the dance floor, an undeniable look of pride in her eyes. He’d never seen that before, and he wondered if it had anything to do with his shave. As soon as she found an empty spot, she started shaking her booty and swinging her arms. He smiled because Kinny wasn’t the type to step on anyone’s shoes.
And so, what else could he do, but match his princess’s energy, letting go with some moves of his own? They danced with abandon until a slow song came on.
She reached her arms up, and he lifted her. “You having fun?”
She nodded and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy. I love my dress.”
“I’m glad.” As she mindlessly rubbed his clean-shaven jaw, he asked, “You like me without a beard?”
“It feels nice.”
He held her close as they swayed to the beat. “I shaved because I wanted to look like a prince for you. I want to make you happy tonight.”
“You always make me happy, Daddy.” Her tone suggested he should already know that.
“You feel like a princess?”
She wrapped his arms around his neck and squeezed. “Iama princess.”
“Yes, you are. Do you like your figure skating classes?”
“I love them.” She pulled back to look him in the eyes. “Gracie wants me to skate.” There was something imploring in her eyes, as if she needed him to believe her. “She thinks I’m really good.”
“You are good, Kinny.” Why would she think otherwise? For some reason he couldn’t figure out, she wasn’t buying it. “I always knew you’d be good at skating because you’ve got great coordination. You’re strong and flexible.” Still, she seemed uneasy. “What is it?”
“You wouldn’t let me skate.”
“Right, but—”Oh, shit. He’d never considered the message she received when he came up with excuses. He kept saying she was too young, and he thought she’d believed him since that was what she repeated to anyone who asked.
Setting her down, he knelt right there on the dance floor. One hand on her waist, he cupped her chin. “Sweetie, look at me. You’re a very good athlete. The only reason I didn’t let you skate was because I was afraid you’d get hurt.”
“Because you think I’m bad at it.”
“No. No, no.” How did he explain? “I’m a good athlete, too. And when you’re really good at something, you get a little too sure of yourself.”
“What’s that mean?”
“It means you take risks you’re not ready for. That’s what I did. I took too many risks, and I’m afraid you’ll do the same thing. But that’s my problem, not yours.”
“But I am ready. I’m good.” Tears filled her eyes. “I’m really good, Daddy.” Her lower lip wobbled.
His heart snapped clean in half. Regret stung like lemon juice on a cut. “Kinny, listen to me. You’re a very good skater. You’re strong and confident and you’re perfect just as you are. I should have let you skate and ride horses and all the things you want to do.”
“I can ride horses?” Her eyes went wide with hope.
“Yeah, princess, you can. Daddy made a big mistake. I’ve been standing in your way, and I’m not going to do that anymore. When you tell me you want to do something, I’m going to move heaven and earth to make sure you can do it. Because, baby, you’re magnificent. You’re fierce and smart and creative and strong, and there’s nothing you can’t do if you decide you want to do it. And if I say no to you, then—”
“Gracie will let me do it?”
