“Anytime, sweetheart.”
“I’m calling Amanda now. I still have to talk her into this, but I wanted to make sure I covered all my bases before I tried.”
“Good plan. Let me know. You all still dropping off Coral around five?”
“Yes, we’re meeting everyone at six. Hopefully, Amanda and Mia will be with us.”
“Are you letting my granddaughter spend the night?”
“Do you want her to?”
“Of course, I do. How am I supposed to spoil her rotten before giving her back to you?” I huff out a laugh.
My daughter chuckles. “Fine. I’ll pack some extra clothes and things.”
“I have everything she needs here,” I remind her.
“Yeah. Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate this.”
The tension leaves her voice, and it makes my chest tighten in that familiar way. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her in my life.
“You enjoy a night out with your husband,” I tell her. “You both deserve it.”
Reid Montgomery, my son-in-law. I usually pretend to be annoyed with him, mostly out of habit. A father’s allowed to mess with the man who took his little girl from him. But the truth is, whenever I see the way he looks at my daughter, and now at my granddaughter, I don’t have an ounce of anger in me. Not a scrap. That kind of love is unmistakable. It’s steady. It’s patient. It’s the kind you build a life on. Reid loves them. Both of them. And he’s a good man. If there was anyone my daughter could have fallen in love with, I’m glad it was him.
It’s the kind I thought I once had, but clearly, I was wrong. I have nothing but fondness for my ex-wife, but in my heart, she doesn’t feel like the one who got away. It’s just fond memories and respect for the woman who gave me my daughter. We were young, and sometimes, life just doesn’t work out the way you expect.
After a few more reassurances and another round of goodbyes, we end the call. I lower the phone and glance around the quiet house, already imagining it filled with toys, laughter, and the occasional chaos that comes with a small child. Coral knows she rules the house when she’s here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And Mia, she’s a sweetheart, with her bright eyes and a laugh that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Coral has always loved to help, and I have no doubt the two of them will keep each other occupied. Coral’s got that nurturing streak, the same one her mother had at that age. I know she’ll be thrilled to have Mia all to herself, even if just for the evening.
I set the phone down and let out a small chuckle to myself. It’s two adorable little girls.
How hard can it be?
At five o’clock on the dot, their car pulls into the drive. I don’t even pretend I haven’t been waiting for them. Instead, I rush to the door, pulling it open and stepping out onto the porch. Reid waves, before dipping into the back seat to grab Coral, while Bellamy slings her bag over her shoulder and starts her way to the front door.
“Couldn’t talk her into it?” I ask, taking the bag from her shoulders as soon as she’s close enough that I can reach it.
“Actually, I did. She should be right behind us. She’s going to try to talk you out of keeping both girls,” Bellamy warns me.
“I’m the head coach of a professional football team. I think I can hold my own.” I chuckle as Reid joins us, and I push open the door, allowing them to step inside. As soon as the door closes, I’m reaching for my granddaughter, Coral, who squeals with delight as she leans over for me to take her from her dad’s arms.
“I think someone is excited.” Reid laughs.
“We both are,” I reply, kissing Coral on the cheek. She rests her head on my shoulder and snuggles close, and my heart melts.
Before I can reply, we hear Amanda pull up. “I’m going to go help her.” Reid kisses Bellamy’s temple and rushes back outside to help Amanda with Mia.
“I’ll deny it if you repeat it, but you found yourself a good one,” I tell Bellamy.
“I really did.” She smiles, and I love how it lights up her entire face. For far too long, those smiles when I was around were few and far between, but now, they’re something I’m constantly on the receiving end of.
Reid steps inside with Mia in his arms, and Amanda right behind him.
“Hey, cutie pie,” I say to Mia. She flashes me a grin and reaches for me. Coral is on board with this new development and offers Mia her hand. I open my arm, and Reid passes her to me. The girls giggle, and it makes my smile grow.
“Amanda, how are you?” I ask her.