Wait for Me

We start moving toward the doors, but she isn’t finished. “Before you disperse, I’d like to say a special thank you to Mr. Taron Rhodes, Dove’s father, for his generous contribution to the playground improvement campaign. His ten-thousand-dollar donation not only exceeds our fundraising goal, but it will allow us to secure the latest in safety sod and even include the special-needs enhancements on our wish list. Mr. Rhodes is truly an asset to Harristown Elementary, and we are so grateful for your generosity.”

The room is silent a split second then bursts into applause. Parents make their way to where I’m standing to shake my hand and say thank you.

Noel steps back, but her eyebrows rise, and her lips part. “What did you do?”

Moving closer to her, I put my arm around her shoulders. “I talked to the principal last week. Patton sent me an email with our year-end numbers. I want Dove to have a safe playground.”

We’re moving toward the door when I catch Digger’s narrowed eyes. He turns quickly and disappears into the crowd headed to the classrooms, and I bite back a big laugh. In your fac

e, Hayes.

Noel doesn’t miss a beat. “Dove’s safety is your primary concern?”

“Always.” Satisfaction tightens my chest, and I put my hand on her waist, leaning closer to her ear. “And Digger’s little niece can stick that in her knit cap and wear it.”

“Taron. She’s only six.”

Our eyes meet, and her lips press together, fighting a laugh. It doesn’t work. We swap a low-five before making our way to the classroom for elementary Thanksgiving Dinner.

Mindy meets us at the door of the classroom. “That’s some gift, teacher’s pet.” A twinkle is in her eye, and she pushes a lock of curly brown hair behind her ear. “I didn’t know you cared so much about playground equipment.”

“Kids play rough. It’s good they’re safe.”

“Well, I think it’s great. Merry Christmas to us all.” She pokes me with her elbow. “And if it helps her win Princess Peach, you got my vote.”

“I don’t know what you mean… Is that a thing?”

She grins and narrows her green eyes before going to help her niece who’s sitting beside Dove. Noel squats beside our daughter, and Boo is making her banana in a pilgrim hat and googly eyes talk. It’s all lively and hilarious, but Dove is quiet.

Her elbow is propped on the table, and she pokes at her Rice Krispie Treat turkey with a pretzel stick.

My satisfaction turns to concern, but Noel doesn’t seem to notice. She chats with Mindy, while I stay with the rest of the dads, observing from the perimeter.

Digger stands behind his niece’s chair not smiling, and even Darcy is flicking her cheese cubes around on her plate with her fingernail and studying my daughter across the table.

When the kids have finished eating, they go outside and run around the old playground a while. Noel helps the mothers clean and pack the leftovers, and she gives Ms. Moody a small gift.

Standing by the fence, I’m watching Dove sit on top of a dome-shaped climbing area when Digger stalks up beside me. “Well played, Rhodes. I guess you think you got me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had a good year, and I want the kids to be safe.”

“We all do.” He smiles insincerely. “Will you attempt to buy Noel while you’re buying the rest of the town?”

Anger tightens my chest, and I take a step closer. “Still after my girl, Hayes? When are you going to get it through your head she’s mine?”

“I don’t see a ring, and clearly you can afford one. Perhaps Noel has finally come to her senses and seen you for what you are. Money won’t change that.”

“You should know better than anyone.”

“I know some people better than anyone.”

My fist clenches, but Noel’s voice cuts through the tension. “Everything okay over here?”

Her soft hand covers my fist, and I glance down at her. The red sweater she’s wearing makes her cheeks glow, and her lips are stained with a pretty red lipstick. She’s so fucking gorgeous, and that asshole Digger has my number.

I’ve been working my tail off to prove to her I’ve changed, but no amount of money can make up for the hurt I caused her. She’ll have to decide if she’s ever going to forgive me, and so far, it hasn’t happened.

“Just chatting. Happy Thanksgiving, Noel.”