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She got up to throw out her plate and cup. “Will you dance with me?”
It was a slow song, and dads were on the floor with their daughters. “I’d love to.”
On the dance floor, I showed her how to hold my hands, and I led her through the steps, twirling her occasionally because she loved it. Someone nearby took a picture of us and asked for my number so they could forward it. When the song ended, I stood on the outskirts and looked at the picture while she danced with her friends. It was perfect. Delaney looked happy. It was what I wanted, even if I was a little sad I wouldn’t get to be the person in her life who always did these things.
Then it hit me as I forwarded it to Natalie. I’d felt so out of control in other relationships, and that’s why I refused to let go with anyone new. But wasn’t I the one who decided whether to pursue something with Natalie? I couldn’t control the outcome, and maybe that was the real fear holding me back.
What if it didn’t work out? What if I never saw Delaney again? What if I fell in love with Natalie and she broke my heart?
But nothing in life was guaranteed. I’d taken a chance by offering to help Delaney. I made good decisions. I could trust my judgment. I was attracted to Natalie, and she felt the same. We could figure it out together.
I just hoped I wasn’t making another mistake.
CHAPTER11
NATALIE
Ifelt weird being in the house by myself. On the rare occasions I hired a babysitter, I wasn’t home. I was worried that Delaney would get upset when she saw the other kids with their dads. I kept my phone on my lap and frequently checked it.
Mac sent images throughout the night. It looked like Delaney was having a good time, and that’s all I could ask for.
Around eight, someone knocked on the door. I opened it, wondering if it was Mac because Delaney wanted to come home early.
Had she finally realized her father wasn’t here for the big events and might not ever be? That it would only ever be me and her? Or was that me projecting my feelings onto her?
Instead, it was Kylie and Alice, carrying take-out bags. “Surprise!”
“What are you doing here?” I asked as they filed in.
“We brought takeout and ice cream because I have a feeling you didn’t eat.” Kylie gave me a pointed look, just as my stomach rumbled.
“I was too worried about Delaney.” The knot that had taken up residence in my gut remained, but the tension in my shoulders eased slightly now that my friends were here.
Alice smiled as she pulled out the ice cream carton. “She’s in good hands with Mac. He’s gone for that little girl.”
“He is, isn’t he?” I smiled, the knowledge that he loved my girl filling me with a glow from the inside.
Alice nodded. “We were there when he was getting ready, and he was nervous.”
I pulled out plates and silverware. “Why would he be nervous?”
“He wanted the night to be perfect, and he was worried Delaney would prefer her father over him.”
I sighed. “I was worried about that too.”
“From the pictures he sent, it looked like she was having fun,” Alice said.
“Let me see the pics,” Kylie said, looking over her shoulder.
“Did you see the one with them dancing together?” Alice asked me, scrolling through her phone. “It’s precious. I’ll send it to you.”
Kylie’s eyes widened when she saw the image. “You should post it online.”
I hadn’t touched my social media accounts since the divorce. Carter had posted pics with his new girlfriend, but I hadn’t wanted to make any public declaration. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? What if Carter sees Delaney with another man?”
Kylie shrugged. “Hey, he had his chance. He said no.”
I paused as I spooned out the rice and chicken, my heart heavy. “You’re right. He did.”
