I could smell bacon and coffee wafting up from the kitchen as I made my way down the stairs.
“Daddy,” Emerson cheered as she popped up from her seat at the kitchen table.
“Morning, princess,” I muttered before kissing the top of her head. “Are you excited for your first day of school?”
She bounced in her chair. “Yep.”
“I can’t believe she’s starting fifth grade this year. Where has the time gone?” Piper handed me a cup of black coffee and a plate full of scrambled eggs and bacon.
“Bless you.” I smiled at her, joining my family for breakfast. “Are you going into the shop today?”
Piper nodded with bacon rolling around in her mouth. “Right after I drop this little one off at school. I’ll see you there.”
Emerson wiggled away from her aunt as Piper tousled her hair a bit.
“Now my hair is going to be all messed up,” Emerson complained.
“I’ll help you fix it. Go grab your brush.” I beamed at my daughter as she darted for her room in a flash.
“She’s so grown up,” Piper remarked.
“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes. “She’s going to be a handful here shortly.”
“She already is,” Piper baited with a toothy grin. “She takes after her mother.”
My sister was right. I saw more and more of Allie in our daughter every day.
Emerson thrust the brush into my hands. “Here, Daddy.”
I pulled my little girl into my lap, brushing her dirty-blonde hair into pigtails, just the way she liked it. “There you go, sweetheart. Now you’re all ready for your last first day of elementary school.” The words caught in the back of my throat. She was growing up too fast.
“Grab your bag, Em. We gotta go. You can’t be late on your first day.” Piper placed the dirty dishes from our breakfast in the sink.
“Love you, Daddy.” Emerson threw her tiny arms around my neck, making me melt on the spot.
“Have the best day ever, princess. I love you so much.”
* * *
After a long dayof selling discount auto parts and dealing with paperwork, I was finally in my happy place—tucking Emerson in for the night.
“Story time,” she sang out, shoving a worn copy ofThe Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobeinto my hands.
“That it is, princess. Now get all situated.” I helped her climb into her bed next to me so she could cuddle up as I read from her favorite book for what felt like the hundredth time.
Pulling out the bookmark at the beginning of chapter two, I started reading the familiar words. “‘Good evening,’ said Lucy. But the Faun was so busy picking up its parcels that at first it did not reply. When it had finished it made her a little bow.”
I paused for a split second to take in the moment. There was nothing better than being there with her in simple moments like that.
When chapter two was finished, I put the bookmark back in and kissed Emerson on her forehead. “Sleep well, princess.”
“Good night, Daddy,” she muttered while rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Joining Piper on the couch, I let out a sigh. “I think I need to head out for a drink.”
“I think you deserve one,” she replied. “It’s about time you did something for yourself for a change.”
My sister eyed me as I deflated. My life was my family. I worked, I took care of Emerson, I ran my club, rinse and repeat—that was all she wrote.