Chapter 3
3
D ixie settled on a bench in the neighborhood park just three blocks away from the sexy firefighter’s home. Kent exemplified pure, raw human sexuality at its finest. His dark hair, while cut short, still showed off thick, soft waves. His eyes, the color of the best bottle of bourbon, cast a sense of honor wherever his gaze landed. His body, the way it filled out his dark T-shirt and loose-fitting jeans, was more like a temple needing to be worshipped.
Her breath had gotten stuck in her throat when she’d touched his arm, feeling his thick muscles twitch.
When he’d rode off down the street on his Harley, she’d clutched her chest and let out an audible sigh that didn’t go unnoticed by her son or Elle.
She pushed the vision from her head and waved to her son as he pumped his chubby little legs back and forth on the swing.
Elle pushed Nicky, all the while talking to him, and he smiled like he hadn’t a care in the world, as it should be for a three-year-old. But their life was anything but easy.
She was going to have to split whatever Kent paid her with Elle because she did more work playing with Nicky than Dixie had taking care of Elle. Of course, Elle was quite mature for a ten-year-old and smart, too. She’d rattled off all sorts of information during lunch about the area and its wildlife. She was a little walking encyclopedia. Full of life and laughter.
“Watch, Mommy!” Nicky jumped off the swing, and Elle did her best to prevent him from falling.
“That’s great!” She clapped enthusiastically, fighting the tears that came with loving her little boy so much, but not being able to care for him in the way he deserved. She needed to do better by him. “Elle is teaching you a lot of things today.”
“I love Elle! She’s so much fun.” Nicky ran to the slide, Elle tagging along right behind him. A dozen or so other children ran around the park or hung from the jungle gym, and a couple had settled in the sandbox. A group of women, who could be mothers or nannies, gathered under a big tree, chatting, occasionally looking in her direction. A few of them had said hello to Elle but didn’t bother with more than a nod to Dixie.
That was fine by her. She had a job to find. No way would she stay at her aunt’s house for more than a month. It had been hard enough to tell her she’d been evicted from her trailer and that Nicky’s deadbeat father, Daniel, had taken off and hadn’t paid child support in over six months. Without that money, she couldn’t afford daycare and her rent, let alone make sure Nicky was properly fed.
Shame heated her cheeks. Her father would have been so disappointed in how her life had turned out. Pushing the negative thoughts away, she focused her attention on her iPad and finding a job. She immediately scanned the secretarial section. She stayed away from any listing regarding social work. She’d only had one year of college with the intention of majoring in social services, but that dream died when she could no longer manage working, paying a babysitter, and going to school, especially when Daniel didn’t do his share when it came to Nicky.
Glancing over her tablet, she eyed Elle and Nicky, now settling into the sandbox with a little girl who looked about Nicky’s age and seemed to know Elle. Dixie had to give props to Elle for being so attentive with Nicky when there were a couple other girls her age at the park who had bugged her to go play with them a few times. Dixie offered Elle every opportunity to dump Nicky back to her, but Elle said she’d prefer to play with him, even stating that her father would expect her to a good little helper.
A tall, slender woman with long blond hair, pushing a high-end baby stroller, handed the little girl in the sandbox a few buckets and shovels, telling her to make sure she shared with the other children. This woman wore a pair of red Bermuda shorts and a white short-sleeved shirt that appeared to be designer. Not that Dixie had any contact with expensive clothing, but this lady’s outfit looked pricey.
Glancing around, she noted that most everyone in the park dressed better than she had with old jean shorts that had been out of style for years. She bought her shirt in a secondhand store when she’d been shopping for new-used clothes for Nicky. One day, hopefully soon, she’d be able to spend a few extra dollars and get something special for him. Something brand new, meant just for him, no one else. Every little boy deserved at least one thing like that.
Dixie went back to the four jobs that looked appealing, but she hadn’t the qualifications for any of them, even though she knew without a doubt she’d be able to perform them as well as anyone else. She understood computers and knew how to use all the major software programs, and what she didn’t know, she’d be able to pick up quickly. All she had to do was get one of these people to take a chance on her, and she’d prove they’d made the right decision.
“Hello.” The graceful woman from the sandbox made her way across the park, as the stroller she pushed bumped uneasily over the grass. “I’m Tilly.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Dixie.” She pushed to the side of the bench, making room. She didn’t feel like being social, but her father and grandmother, rest their souls, taught her to be polite and kind. No reason to hog the seating.
Tilly looked to be about thirty to thirty-five, at best guess. A few wrinkles had started to develop around her eyes, but other than that, her skin looked radiant with the way the sun hit her face. “I don’t mean to be rude, but my son doesn’t always share well, and I’m not sure the young lady?—”
“Elle is perfectly capable of caring for both children while we watch from a safe distance, despite what her father says.” Tilly lifted the flap of the stroller where a plump baby, of maybe a year old, slept peacefully.
“You know Kent?”
“My husband works as a firefighter with him and they served in the Air Force together. They’ve been friends for over ten years.”
“Oh, you’re the Tilly he gave me contact information for,” Dixie said, biting back a smile. “I’ve never seen a man so overprotective before. He almost didn’t want to leave Elle with me. It was the strangest thing, though I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know and the idiot asked me to come check on you.” Tilly shook her head. “Kent is a great guy and an even better father, but he’s the biggest worrywart I’ve ever met for a macho fireman.”
That might be true, but she was a perfect stranger to Kent and his daughter. Lots of parents these days used nanny cams and other devices to make sure their children were getting the best possible care. It really didn’t matter that her aunt Jackie had been Elle’s nanny since Elle had been eight weeks old. She loved that child so much that when Kent left the Air Force and moved to Jacksonville, Jackie moved too. She would never intentionally put Elle in danger, which included recommending a replacement while she had to be away, but she could understand Kent’s reservations. As a parent, Dixie would have the same ones.
“I’ve texted him my every move,” Dixie said, glancing at the sandbox, her heart swelling at the vision of her son playing nice. He was a good boy, but being an only child, he often struggled with sharing. It didn’t help that his father was in and out of his life, confusing the poor boy.
“He wanted me to just watch you, but no way would I do that, plus my daughter would have run to Elle, and I didn’t want to put her or Elle in a tough situation, so I thought I’d just come introduce myself.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the honesty,” Dixie said, tucking her iPad in her purse. She’d have time to send in her resumes this evening, after she proofed them one last time. “Do you live around here?” God, she hoped so. She’d feel bad if Tilly had to drive any distance with two small children to spy on her.
“We live closer to the marina in Whispering Hills.”
“Nice area.” Dixie had driven through the neighborhood, admiring the larger homes with their fancy landscaping and perfectly lined palm trees. The homes weren’t overtly pretentious, but they were expensive compared to where Kent lived, which was a good neighborhood with nice people, but the cost of housing was substantially less.
Her aunt had been trying to get her to move to the area for a year, telling her to stop trying to force her ex to have a decent relationship with their son. Part of Dixie wanted her son to have the family she hadn’t, with two parents who worked together to raise their children. The other part knew Daniel would never step up to the plate and be a real father.
“We like it there. It’s close to work for Rex, and I have a home office over the garage.” Tilly spoke with a certain grace to her voice. The way she pronounced each syllable gave way to not only style, but intelligence, and not in a way that put anyone off.
“What do you do? If you don’t mind me asking.” Dixie craved adult conversation more than she realized. For the last few months, she’d worked double shifts and what few hours of free time she had, she’d spent every second with her son. Her throat closed with guilt. For the majority of her life, she’d lived with her dad, only visiting her mother occasionally, who was a free spirit and couldn’t settle into being a mother full-time.
“I run a private foundation and a charity to help battered women and children find safe places. We focus on education and helping them get on their feet so they don’t go back to their abusers.”
“Wow. That sounds amazing and stressful.” Dixie had volunteered at a shelter when she’d been in high school as part of her service project. All she ever wanted to do was help people, only she never could manage to help herself. One bad decision after the other left her alone and broke. She literally had a hundred dollars to her name.
“It’s both, but I’ve got an amazing team and one hell of a husband.”
An alien ringtone echoed from inside Tilly’s purse, and she jumped. “Oh my God. I hate that sound. My husband is constantly changing my ringer, thinking it’s just hilarious.” She dug into her bag and pulled out a cell. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to take this.” Tilly stood, taking a few steps away from the bench.
Dixie’s gaze went between her son and the little boy stretching in the stroller. Life here seemed so much easier in this seaside town. Peaceful. Something she hadn’t felt since before her father died. Since that day, her life was a constant, uphill battle where just as she was about to climb to the top, something shoved her down, sending her rolling out of control.
“Sorry about that. One of the hazards of being the boss is I never really get a day off,” Tilly said, tossing her phone into the bag before bending over and resting her hand on the baby’s tummy. “This little fellow sleeps more than Annabelle has in her entire life.”
“How old is he?”
“He will be a year next week. We’re having a birthday party. You should come and bring your son. Looks like he and Annabelle have hit it off.” Tilly pointed across the park to where Annabelle had wrapped her arms around Nicky.
“I’m shocked he hasn’t pushed her away. He can be a little devil sometimes.” Dixie watched in amazement as Nicky hugged the cute little girl with curly blond locks like her mother.
“I wish we could stay longer and let the kids play, but I’ve got to get back to my office. My assistant is moving in a couple of weeks, and I haven’t found a replacement yet, so I need to meet with a couple potential applicants.”
Dixie sat up straighter. Her heartbeat increased over the idea she’d even ask this stranger for an opportunity to interview for the job. It would be too forward, but maybe she could ease into it with a few questions. “What does your assistant do, exactly?”
“There is a lot of office work, but also helping me create new programs, assessing current ones, and making recommendations to improve them.”
“Sounds interesting.” Dixie sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Does it require a college degree?”
“Not necessarily. It all depends on the applicant. Their experiences, both professionally and personally. I also take into account whether or not I like them.” Tilly tilted her head. “Why? Do you know someone or are you looking for a job?”
“Watching Elle is temporary and after that, I need to find something and I don’t want to wait tables,” Dixie admitted with butterflies in her stomach. “But I’m not sure I have the kind of experience you’re looking for.”
Tilly held out a small business card. “Send me your resume but focus on any volunteer work you might have done. Also, include any education/course work you’ve had. I don’t care about the degree, but knowing what you’ve taken helps me see your interests. My assistant would spend a fair amount of time with me visiting shelters, talking with the very people I’m trying to help. And on the flip side of that, we also do various charity events seeking financial support for our programs.”
This had to be too good to be true. Dixie swallowed. “I’ll get it to you by morning.”
“Great. I’ll look it over and set up an interview. I can’t promise anything. I’ve already got five applicants, but I can guarantee you that you will be given a fair shake.”
“I appreciate the chance.”
“My pleasure.” Tilly stepped behind the stroller. “I’m glad I came out here today. I look forward to reading your resume, and I hope to see you at my son’s birthday party this weekend. I’ll send you the information regarding the party when I get your resume. Or get it from Kent.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” Dixie rose, collecting her things, and walked with Tilly back to the sandbox. She wanted friends, and friends for her son, but she didn’t think it would be smart to become too friendly with a potential boss.
“You’re not.” Tilly scooped up Annabelle, who protested wildly, wanting to stay and play longer. “I’m going to insist you come.”
Nicky joined right in, standing up and dancing in circles, flapping his little arms.
“Someone is tired,” Dixie said.
“Mommy!” Nicky wailed.
She bent down, holding her son by the shoulders. “I see you met a new friend.”
“I want to play more,” Nicky said, wiping his tired eyes.
“How about we set up a playdate?” Tilly said, holding Annabelle, while the child squirmed. “Would you like that?”
“Yesssssss!” Annabelle waved.
“When you come to the interview, bring him. I have a babysitter for when I’m working, so they can play. No problem,” Tilly said. “Trust me. I understand how hard it is to find quality sitters.” She winked. “Besides, Kent did mention that you’re a single mother.”
“I see.” Dixie never liked her personal business being discussed behind her back, but she’d give Kent a pass on this one. It’s not like she wouldn’t have given up that information anyway. “I’m babysitting Elle all this week, except Wednesday.”
“Great. I’ll make sure we set it up for Wednesday,” Tilly said.
“Oh, goodie. A day at Uncle Rex’s house,” Elle said, kneeling next to Nicky. “He’s got a pool!”
“Elle, you just gave me a great idea,” Tilly said, tucking Annabelle into the stroller. “I know the team has a day off in two days before doing an overnight rotation. I think you, your dad, and Dixie and Nicky should come over for dinner. We can do the interview and have a nice barbeque.”
“Oh no. Really. That would be too much.” Dixie could deal with bringing her son on an interview where a babysitter was provided, but no way would she do dinner and a birthday party. Hell, she wasn’t going to do either and not just because she wanted to keep Tilly at a safe distance just in case she got the job, but she wouldn’t last five minutes in the same room with Kent and not act like a teenage groupie.
“It will be fun. Let’s say we all meet at my house around two, and we’ll do hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill around five.”
“I really?—”
“I’m not going to take no for an answer.” Tilly waved her hand in the air dismissively before pushing the stroller. “I have a good feeling about you, Dixie.”
“Looks like you’re going to dinner,” Elle said, taking her hand. “Uncle Rex says Aunt Tilly is a force to be reckoned with and whatever she wants, she gets.”
“I bet your uncle is dead right on that one.” Dixie kissed Nicky on the forehead as he nuzzled his face in her neck, breathing deeply, moments away from a long overdue nap. While he napped, she’d make something for supper and find the perfect excuse not to go to Tilly’s, but after she had the interview… no, that would be rude.
Damn, she was going to dinner.
Kent sat at the kitchen table in the fire station and stared at the text from Tilly.
Tilly: You’re nuts. Dixie is great and Elle is going to be a fine little babysitter NEXT YEAR. You’re a fool if you can’t see that.
He sighed.
He wasn’t ready for any of this. When he became a single father at twenty, no one told him that his little bundle of joy would someday grow up and become a young lady. He wished for the days when his biggest worry was if she’d fall the down the stairs. Those days were easy.
Fuck. Who was he kidding. Nothing was easy about being a dad.
“I can’t believe you sent my wife to check on the hot babysitter.” Rex slapped him on the shoulder. He plopped himself in the chair across from Kent and glared. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“He did what?” Hawke yelled from his perch in the common room.
“No children, no opinion.” Kent set his phone on the table and lifted his soda, chugging half of it. “And you.” He waggled his finger at Rex. “Are you really going to sit there and tell me you’ve never been concerned about a sitter before?”
“It’s Jackie’s niece, for fuck’s sake. We’ve all known Jackie forever and all the woman has ever done is talk about her brother’s darling daughter.”
“Who’s been through some shit.” Kent cocked his head. “And she’s got a rambunctious toddler to look after.”
Rex smacked his forehead. “Do you even hear yourself?”
“Yeah. I do,” Kent admitted. “I can’t help myself. Elle’s my world. I’ve only left her with Jackie and my mom.”
“Look. I get it. I do. But you take it to insane levels. In a couple of years, Elle’s not going to need a nanny. She’ll be at the age where she can get off the bus and be home alone.” Rex tapped his fingers on the table. “And you’re going to have to let her whether you’re ready or not. You can’t keep stifling the poor child. Not if you want her to grow up and be self-reliant.”
“She’s ten, not twenty-one.”
Rex laughed. “If you want her to learn how to take care of herself, she’s going to have to spread her wings. She needs to fall down a few times. Make mistakes. Screw up and that all starts now. You’re a great father. The best. But you’re smothering her and she’s going to rebel in the worst way if you don’t start loosening the reins.”
Kent glanced over his shoulder as Garth strolled into the room and nodded. Kent glanced at his watch. Finally, time for him to go home. He stood. “You’re the one who tells everyone that you’re never going to allow Annabelle to date.”
Rex winced. “Yeah, that does weird me out, but only because she’s exactly like her mother. Aggressive. She’s already told me she’s marrying little Tommy next door. But after today, it might be Nicky. Tilly sent me this picture.” He pulled out his cell and turned it, showing off a picture of Annabelle with her arms around Nicky in a death grip. Her lips were firmly planted on his cheek.
“Oh my God. That’s too cute.” Kent held the phone in one hand, his other tapping the center of his chest. Elle stood in the background, smiling proudly. “Annabelle has always been a forward little girl.”
“Not something a father needs to be reminded of.” Rex took his cell. “But my point is I’m doing my best not to destroy that little girl’s personality. She’s going to grow up on me and it’s my job to teach her how to get along in this world.”
“And to protect her.”
“No shit,” Rex said. “But you’re trying to shelter Elle from everything. You can’t keep doing that. She needs to experience some things that will teach her how to get along without you.”
Kent appreciated his friend’s words. He knew they were true, but he didn’t know how to live them. The last ten years of his life had been centered around making sure Elle had a normal life. Or as normal as a single father could give her. Letting go, even a little, pained his heart. “I worked my entire shift and the worst thing I did was have Tilly check on them.”
“Not exactly what you did, but if that helps you sleep at night, you can have it your way,” Rex said. “Just remember you and Elle are never alone in this.”
“Thanks, man.” Kent took his empty soda can and tossed it in the recycle bin. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He headed out the door and toward his Harley. He climbed on and turned the key. The sun had begun its decent behind the horizon, casting a fiery glow in the sky. This was one of his favorite times to ride. He revved the engine and peeled out of the parking lot.
The ride home would take about fifteen minutes and he would enjoy every second. Normally, he would savor this time, using it to clear his thoughts from the day so he could be completely present for his daughter. Only tonight, all he could think about was Dixie. Her son. And had Elle gotten the attention she needed.
Mentally, he groaned.
Rex made some valid points. Elle wasn’t a baby anymore. She was at an age where while Daddy was still her hero, she didn’t always want to be with him. She wanted to do things on her own.
Like walk to the park.
Or help out a neighbor all by herself.
She was pushing boundaries, and he didn’t think she was ready for that kind of responsibility. However, all of his buddies thought differently.
He pulled into his driveway with his thoughts all jumbled. The front door opened and Elle emerged holding Nicky on her hip.
That image sucker punched his good senses.
His little girl looked so grown-up.
“Hey, Daddy.” Elle waved.
He climbed off his Harley and strolled toward the steps. “How was your day?”
Nicky rested his head on Elle’s shoulder, gripping her shirt.
“It was fun,” she said. “Look, Nicky. It’s my dad.” She patted the little boy’s back. She really did have a way with small children.
“Hey, little man.” He reached out to ruffle the kid’s hair, but he turned his head and practically tried to climb over Elle’s shoulder.
Kent recoiled his hand.
“Dixie said he’s kind of shy around men.” Elle readjusted Nicky. “It’s okay. My daddy’s really nice. He doesn’t bite or anything.”
Nicky turned his head. “You came home, just like you promised.” His lower lip quivered as if he might start bawling any minute.
“I try not to make promises I can’t keep,” he said with his heart in his throat. “Where’s Dixie?”
“In the kitchen making dinner.”
Nicky pointed to the motorcycle. “Ride!”
“Let me go make sure it’s okay with your mom first.” He squeezed Elle’s forearm, being careful not to touch Nicky. Whatever his issues were with men, he didn’t want to add to them. “Are you okay out here with him for a few minutes?”
“Dad, really?” Elle glared, rolling her eyes, before sitting on the floor near a set of blocks.
Nicky folded his pudgy little legs, grabbing one. He glanced up. “You come home every day?”
“Sometimes he has to stay over at the fire station or he’s called on a special assignment with the Aegis Network, but most nights he’s home.” Elle lined up a few more blocks in front of Nicky.
Kent closed his eyes for the count of five before blinking them open. His heart broke in a million pieces. “Make sure he doesn’t dart off into the street.”
“Oh my God, Dad. I’m not stupid.”
“Don’t get fresh with me, young lady.” He lowered his chin. “And don’t use that word in front of him again.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Kent opened the door and made his way through the family room and into the kitchen, where the smell of pasta and sauce assaulted his senses.
Dixie sat at the table in front of her iPad. She glanced up. “Oh, hello.”
“You didn’t have to make dinner,” he said.
She tucked her device into a small pouch. “I figured after a long day at work, the last thing you wanted to do was cook.” She rose, pointing to the oven. “It’s nothing special. Just my aunt’s spaghetti pie recipe. There’s enough for leftovers, so you can take some for lunch tomorrow.”
“What are you and Nicky going to do for dinner?”
“We’ll find something at my aunt’s house.”
“That’s just silly,” he said. “You went to all this trouble. You might as well enjoy it. Besides, I told Nicky I’d take him for a ride when I got home and while I’m not sure he trusts me, he did point to my bike and said ride. ”
“I’m sure he’d love it, but I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not. The only question is, should I do it now or after dinner?”
“It won’t be ready for another twenty minutes,” she said.
“All right. Let’s go find a helmet that fits him.” He waved his hand toward the porch. “After you.” He followed her through the house, trying desperately not to watch her hips sway back and forth, but it proved impossible.
Her beauty was undeniable.
She carried herself with confidence, but there was pain etched in her soulful eyes. He knew that look and it gave him pause.
“Mommy!” Nicky jumped to his face and raced to his mother. “He came back!” He wiggled his fingers, begging for his mom to pick him. “Ride! Ride! Ride!”
“Yes, my little lovebug. You can go for ride. But you have to promise you will sit still and do whatever Kent tells you. Got it?”
Nicky grabbed her face and smacked his lips against hers. “Promise.”
Kent laughed. He missed those days with Elle. Now he was lucky if she kissed him goodbye at the bus stop. “Come on, little man. Let’s go find you a helmet.”
“We tried on a few today,” Elle said. “We were playing with my old motorized Jeep and since he’s a bit of a daredevil, we thought it might be a good idea for him to wear one.”
“I like to hear that.” He wrapped his arm around Elle, kissing her temple. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away.
“I’ll go get it.” She raced into the garage and reappeared with a helmet.
Kent watched in awe as she helped Nicky strap it on.
“She’s so good with him,” Dixie said. “Is it okay if I give her a little money? I feel like she did more today than I did.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m sure Elle loved every second of it. She can’t get enough of my friends’ kids.” Kent held Dixie’s gaze.
“Yeah. I noticed that. At the park.” She cocked her head. “I should be insulted.”
He ignored the statement. “Okay, little man. Are you ready?”
“Yes!”
Kent knelt in front of Nicky. “Can I lift you up on the motorcycle?”
Nicky nodded.
“All right. Let’s go.” He took Nicky in his arms and placed in front before climbing on the bike. He revved the engine.
The little boy squealed in delight.
They drove around the neighborhood, keeping it slow and safe. This wasn’t his kid, so he was going to make sure nothing happened. That thought made him chuckle. He wouldn’t dream of letting his little girl ride with just anyone.
When he pulled back into his driveway, it surprised him that neither Elle nor Dixie were waiting for them. He helped Nicky off the bike and took off the helmet. “Come on, little man. Let’s go find your mommy.” He took Nicky’s hand and walked up the steps. The second he opened the door, the boy bolted through the house.
“Mommy! Mommy! Where are you?”
“I’m right here.” She knelt at the kitchen threshold with open arms. “Did you have a nice ride?”
Nicky leaped into his mother’s arms. “Are we coming here again?”
“Tomorrow,” Dixie said.
“Will he come home again?” Dixie rose, hugging her little boy tight. “Yes, baby.”
Elle meandered toward Kent. She leaned into him, resting her head against his arm. “We’re going to have so much fun tomorrow, I promise.”
“I should get going,” Dixie said.
“What about dinner?” Kent shouldn’t push. He didn’t want to strike up a friendship with this woman. She was a temporary babysitter while her aunt was away.
Yet not only did her little boy tug at his heartstrings, but she did something to his soul.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I packed some up for us to take home,” Dixie said. “Nicky melts down right after dinner and he didn’t get in a good nap. He’ll be a bear if I don’t get him to bed soon.”
“I remember those days well.”
“Thanks for taking him for a ride. I really appreciate it,” she said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I heard Tilly invited all of us over to her place on Wednesday.”
Dixie blinked. “I’m not sure if we should go. I don’t want to intrude.”
Kent chuckled. “You’d insult her if you didn’t go.”
“It will be fun. And Annabelle loves Nicky. Come on. Please?” Elle pleaded.
“I’ll think about it.” Dixie nodded. “I really need to go before this one realizes he’s going to be missing out on something.” She snagged her bag and waltzed right out the door.
Elle glanced up and smiled. “I think Daddy likes someone.”
“I think my daughter needs to stop trying to fix me up with every single woman she meets.” He arched a brow.
“She checks all the boxes.” Elle pulled back a chair at the table and pointed to the plate of food. “She can cook. She’s pretty. She’s kind, smart, and she didn’t think you were too crazy.”
He joined his daughter at the table. “For the record, your old man isn’t looking for a lady. I’ve already got one of those in my life and I’m staring at her.”
Elle rolled her eyes, like she did about a million times a day. “I’m not going to be around forever to take care of you.”
He groaned. No truer words were ever spoken.