The Daddy Box Set

She chewed on her lip.

“Was there something else?” I asked.

“I have a backup nanny, but I wanted to see if you and Gina would come with me?”

“To Australia?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“To meet your mother?” I asked.

She hesitated. “Yes.”

Now I knew why she was so deep in thought when I’d come downstairs. She was worried about asking me to meet her mother.

“Are we that serious?” I asked.

She slipped her free hand into mine. “I think so. Don’t you?”

I squeezed her hand. “I do.”

“So, you will come?” she asked.

“Yes, we will come.”

“That’s great!” she said, throwing her arm around me and pulling me close. I gripped my wine glass harder, so I didn’t spill the liquid inside.

When she sat back, she looked positively radiant. I tucked a chunk of hair behind her ear, smoothing my fingertip along the sensitive skin behind her ear.

“Thank you,” she said.

“No, thank you for the invite. A vacation is exactly what we need.”

Chapter Twenty

Jess

As we did most Fridays, Gina and I went to visit Sierra at the record shop. It was a nice change from being cooped up in the house all week due to the fluctuating rain that ruined our plans over the past week. And bringing Gina to the local deli for an end of week lunch would be the kicker. Gina loved to eat out. I tried to prepare her food at home as much as I could though. I always let her take part in making her own meals since she seemed to enjoy it more. But since she and Noah were coming with me to Australia, I wanted to celebrate with Gina somehow.

“Sierra!” Gina said skipping into the record shop.

“Girl, you look damn cute today,” Sierra said.

Gina picked out a frilly lace skirt that bounced with each step. “You said a bad word!”

Sierra waved her hand dismissively. “Believe me, that isn’t the worst I’ve said.”

“What’s the worst?” Gina asked.

“Sierra!” I hissed.

Gina giggled and went to the back of the shop. With our weekly visits, Gina was over the record Sierra played each time for her. Now with each visit, she wanted to hear something new. The smaller children’s section at the back would keep her busy for a little while until she picked the perfect record for her mood.

Sierra went behind the counter and sipped on her coffee.

“What’s going on with you?” I asked.

“I’m feeling a little lonely,” she said.