Fortuity (Transcend 3)

“I’m not mad.”

I chuckle. “Well, that’s good. Really. However, you deserve to be ten. Even if you know things that kids older than you don’t know, it doesn’t mean you should be any other age but ten. You shouldn’t see what you saw. And again, I’m incredibly sorry about that. I’m glad you have books that explain things to you, but please don’t forget your job is to play Frisbee and comb beaches for shells. It’s okay to think about what it will feel like the first time a boy kisses you, but no more than you should think about driving a car. It’s out there … you’ll get there, but it shouldn’t be rushed.”

Morgan draws in a slow breath and blows it out all at once, her body deflating. “You’re not going to tell me what a penis tastes like, are you?”

I rub my hands over my face and shake my head. “No,” I mumble before dropping my hands back to my lap.

“Do you think you’ll marry my dad? Hunter said her mom isn’t her real mom, but her stepmom. She said her real mom met another man, and her dad got married to a different woman last year. Hunter got to be one of the bridesmaids and wear a really pretty dress. I guess I’m just wondering if I’ll get to be a bridesmaid if you marry my dad.”

Ugh …

I scoot to face her, resting my hand on her leg. “You said you know people don’t always have sex just to have babies?”

She nods.

“Well, sometimes when adults like each other, they kiss and do … other things. It doesn’t always mean they will get married. I like your dad. He’s handsome and fun and a great dad to you, but you have a home and family waiting for you in Wisconsin. That’s where you belong. And I have Gabe now. His home is here. His friends are here, so this is where I now belong. I am just one of many friends you and your dad have met over your time traveling the world. We are friends. You and I. Your dad and I.”

I squeeze her hand and she grins.

“And I hope we will be friends forever. Pen pals.” I wink at her.

“I’d like that. Maybe I can email you.” She smirks.

It’s funny how she thinks emailing me would be such a coup. “The possibilities are endless.”

“Maybe you and Gabe could come visit us in Madison.”

“Maybe. Now …” I pat her leg and stand again. “I’m going to see what Gabe’s up to. If you need any help with your period, don’t feel embarrassed to ask your dad. He’s a doctor, you know.”

“No way. I’m not talking to him about this. He’ll make it weird,” says the girl who just asked me what a penis tastes like.

“Okay. Then I’m your person.”

“Thanks, Gracelyn. I bet my mom was cool like you.”

I don’t know why this brings tears to my eyes, but it does. “Thank you, Morgan,” I whisper before leaving her room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Nathaniel

“Everything okay?” I ask as soon as Gracelyn comes down the stairs after being up there for a long time.

She gives me nothing but a look. Maybe a weird look. It’s definitely a hard stare, like I’m supposed to read her mind or something. I’m not sure. She brushes past me and out the door to the deck. I follow her.

She turns, hands clasped behind her back. “Shut the door,” she whispers.

Narrowing my eyes for a brief moment, I shut the exterior door and the screen door. “What happened?”

“First, I just want to say that whatever you thought you owed me before … take it times ten now.” Her lips curl inward as she gives me a toothy—kind of scary—grin.

“Okay. Can you elaborate?”

“Where to begin …” Her lips twist and she rubs her chin, eyes rolled to the side. “Do I start with the fact that she did see what we were doing in the kitchen? Or do I tell you how I know this which is …” Her gaze returns to mine, eyes slightly narrowed. “She said … and I quote, ‘What does a penis taste like?’”

“Oh god …”

Her lips part. “Uh … yeah. Oh God. Jesus. Lord. And Mother Mary. I wanted to die. Legit die.”

I cringe. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe she …” Closing my eyes, I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I shouldn’t be surprised.” Dropping my hand, I sigh. “I’ve taught her … encouraged her to be curious, to always ask lots of questions. I’ve never sheltered her from the truth.”

“Good job, Dad of the Year. Now bend down, lick your dick, and go tell your daughter how it tastes.” She turns and heads for the steps.

“Stop!” I grab her arm and turn her back toward me. “I’m serious. What did you say?”