“Oh my god! Justin,” I said, laughing. “I’m glad to know I do it for you.”
We talked for two hours that night. It was easy and fun. We laughed and flirted. I hadn’t talked on the phone for that long since I was in high school. It made me feel young, and I could feel myself falling for him more and more. He was so easy for me to talk to, and he was always making me laugh. The sex was amazing, which was a total plus for me.
“I didn’t realize how late it was,” he said, sleepily.
“I know. Thank you for staying up and talking to me for so long,” I responded.
“You’re welcome. Get some sleep, Anna.”
“You too, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay, goodnight, gorgeous,” he said, and I was glad he couldn’t see my cheeks flush pink.
“Goodnight, Justin,” I said.
I hung up the phone and rolled onto my side. I had moved to my bed an hour into our conversation. I knew I was going to sleep well that night. Just thinking about Justin brought me peace.
Chapter Nineteen
Justin
I woke up feeling better than I had in a long time. The sky seemed a little bluer, the sun a little more yellow, the grass a little greener. I couldn’t help the overwhelming feelings of love I was starting to feel. As I got Margie ready for our adventure to the theme park with Anna, Ally, and their parents, I couldn’t help but notice that she might be just as in love with Anna as I was.
“Will you go on rides with me?” she asked as I combed through her hair.
“Of course, I will, sweetheart,” I promised.
“Do you think Anna will go on rides with me?” she asked.
“I know she will.” Anna was always so amazing with Margie. I could see and feel how much she cared about my daughter, and I had to admit it was the biggest turn on for me. It was the reason I started falling in love with her, the reason I wanted to spend every waking moment with her.
Margie’s smile said it all. I don’t think I had ever seen her more excited than in that moment. She had never been to a theme park before. She had never even been to a carnival before.
“How long will it take to get there?” This was the third or fourth time she asked me that question.
“It’s just about two hours away,” I said.
“That’s so far,” she whined.
I laughed. “I know, but it will be worth the drive. I promise,” I said and put her hair into a ponytail. “Go get your socks. You have to wear your tennis shoes today.”
“Okay, Daddy,” she said and ran to her room.
She came out with her socks on. “Is it time to go yet?” she asked.
I laughed at her. “Not quite, sweetheart. Are you excited?”
She nodded her head, and it reminded me of those bobblehead collectibles.
“I wish I could take you everywhere. To all of the cool places around.” I felt sad that I couldn’t do that for my daughter. She deserved so much more than I gave her. I wanted to give her the world, but with all the bills I was up against, it was next to impossible.
“I don’t need to go everywhere,” she said.
I cocked my head to the side and asked, “Why’s that?”
“I love just being with you, Daddy,” she said. My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest.
I loved my daughter more than anything in this world, and every time she said things like that, it made me want to cry. She was the sweetest little girl I’d ever known, and I knew I had her mom to thank for that. I was glad she had that trait because I knew she would give everyone a chance. She would not be quick to judge someone and would always be accepting of others.