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“Mommy watch this. Look what I learned today.”
She turned to jet off but Cadence grabbed Gracie’s hand, pulling her wild child back in front of her.
“Wait, I want to ask you something first.”
“But Mommy can it wait? I want to show you what I learned today.”
“You can, right after we talk for a minute.”
“But Mommy…” she pouted, peeking up at me for help. She wouldn’t get that today. I was going to let Cadence take the lead.
“A short talk, okay?” Cadence guided Gracie to one of the loungers, gently pulling her into her lap, not concerned with the fact that Gracie was soaking wet. I sat across from them waiting.
“Remember when you asked about your father and I said he wasn’t ready to meet you yet but one day he would be…”
“Uh huh.” Gracie nodded her little head but her eyes landed right on me.
Damn this kid was perceptive.
“Would it be okay if he was ready to meet you now?”
“Now, likerightnow?” She frowned a little, eyes bouncing between me and her mother and I chuckled.
Too damn smart.
“Yeah, right now. Would that be okay?”
“Uh huh…” She looked me right in my eyes and boldly asked, “Why did you wait so long to meet me? I’m already four now.”
“Because I had to grow up a little first so that I knew how to be a good father to you. Is that okay?”
“Yes, that’s okay. Mommy said I had to grow up a little first before I could use the paint by myself. I’m real good at it now.”
Cadence choked down a laugh. “You are, baby. You’re very good with paint now.”
“If you’re all grown up now then that means you’ll be a good father, right?”
I cut my eyes at Cadence who bit her lip hard. This was just that simple to Gracie so I had to make sure I did my part. I would be the best because disappointing her would cause me physical pain. I was sure of it.
“I’ll be the best but only if you’re okay with letting me.”
“Mommy, can he?”
“Is that what you want?”
Gracie frowned a little and I swear my heart stopped. Basically paused its rhythm right in my chest until she answered.
“Do I only get one?”
“Only one,” I confirmed.
“Then you can be mine.” She slipped off her mother’s lap and threw her arms around me.
And for the second time today my heart exploded. I hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head. When she let me go, she grabbed her mother’s hand and tugged her to her feet.
“Now can I show you what I learned?”
Deal was complete. I had a kid who I would love and protect.
