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“I hope you like turkey. If not, I got ham.” He held up the second sandwich.
“Turkey’s great.” I unwrapped the sandwich and took a huge bite. “This is perfect. I usually whip up an omelet or something quick at home.”
“It feels like spring.”
“It sure does. Delaney’s going to expect it to be this warm every day now.”
Mac smiled, shaking his head. I loved that we could talk about Delaney. That he had equal affection for her.
“I wonder what they’re doing.”
“Mom said she was teaching her to sew while the cake baked.”
“That’s amazing. I don’t even know how to do that.”
“How did you end up in South Carolina?” Mac asked as we ate.
“My ex was from there. I got pregnant soon after we graduated from college, and he got a job at his father’s business. It only made sense that I go with him. I had Delaney and wanted to stay home, but now, I see that was shortsighted. I should have been smarter about being independent and saved money for myself.”
“You did what you thought was best, and I’m sure Delaney loved the time she had with you.”
“I enjoyed staying home with her.”
“Then you made the right decision. No use in second-guessing it.” He rested on his side, propped on an elbow, while he popped strawberries into his mouth.
“Even if I regret my ex?” I asked with a wry smile.
“You don’t regret Delaney.”
“Nope.”
“Do you ever talk to him?”
“In the beginning, I encouraged him to see Delaney. I said it wasn’t good for her to feel like she was abandoned. He claimed she didn’t feel that way unless I was the one who told her she should feel the way. His parents weren’t like yours. They saw Delaney solely as my responsibility. I decided to have her, so I should do all the work.”
“And what about their son? Doesn’t he have the same duty?”
I laughed. “Not when you think child-rearing is the woman’s job, and you baby your only son.”
Mac scowled. “Both parents should be involved. That’s how I see it anyway.”
“I always did too. To be fair, Carter’s parents never said they wanted to have a relationship with Delaney. She was more someone they could brag about if she did something remarkable. Although I’m not sure she’s done anything to meet their high expectations yet.”
“She’s smart and kind. That’s not enough?”
“Not in their eyes. They like tangible things like grades and trophies.”
“Yikes. I can’t imagine growing up that way.”
“Somehow, Carter came out spoiled. They make excuses for him all the time, even when he cheated on me. I wasn’t giving him enough attention. I didn’t keep myself up.”
“Fuck that. You’re gorgeous.” He leaned over and kissed me, sealing his words on my lips.
“Thanks,” I said when he pulled away.
“I can see why you moved.”
“There was nothing for me there.”
