Walk the Line (Man of the Month 12)

Brent, however, didn't return the interest. True, she seemed like a nice woman. Smart. Personable. A good mom. But there were no sparks. More important, even if there were, he wasn't looking. He had no interest in getting attached to a woman. No interest in bringing a woman into Faith's life only to risk her walking right back out again.

"Kyla had a pinata! I got a kazoo and Starbursts. Can I have one when I get home?"

Starbursts were her favorite candy. "We'll see."

"They all had a great time," Rayleen said. "But I think someone might ask you about her own p-i-n-a-t-a for next Saturday."

"Is that so? Maybe you could email me the information where you bought yours?" Faith's sixth birthday party was in one week and by accepted neighborhood standards, he wasn't nearly prepared enough.

Rayleen laughed. "Happy to. And if you need any help getting ready, you just let me know." She pushed a lock of hair off her face and smiled prettily. "Kyla and Faith could play while we get ready."

"That's so generous of you," he said. "But I have some folks already lined up. Faith's aunt and uncle." Reece and Jenna might not actually be related, but they were definitely family. Of course, he hadn't yet enlisted their help, but he was confident they'd come if he called.

"Well, the offer stands." She flashed another smile, then waved acknowledgment when someone called to her from across the yard. "Either way, Kyla will be there. And thanks again for letting Faith come today."

"Of course," Brent said, as Faith descended, sliding down his body as if he were part of a jungle gym. He took her little hand in his, then let her tug him to the gate.

"Daddy! Where's the car?"

"Maybe I thought we'd walk home. But I can't remember how. Do you know the way?"

Her brow furrowed, and she put her hands on her hips. "Course, I do, Daddy. But you didn't really forget, did you? You wouldn't forget how to come home, would you?"

Brent's heart twisted. He doubted that Faith was thinking of Olivia--she sometimes talked about getting a mom, but there was never any mention of the mom who had left. But even so, it was Olivia who was on his mind now.

"I'd never forget how to come home to you, munchkin. I'm just pretending."

The smile returned in full force. "I knew you were."

"That's because you're so smart."

"I counted all the way to two hundred today. Bobby Carmichael bet that I couldn't, but I did. And he had to give me his gummy bears."

Brent arched a brow. "I thought you only had Starbursts."

"I gave the gummy bears away. But I still won them."

"Well, congratulations."

"Look both ways, Daddy."

They'd reached the four-way stop sign two blocks from their house. Brent did as Faith ordered, then asked, "Now what?"

"Now you can go, but only with a grown-up."

"And?"

"And pay attention."

"Good girl. Come on."

They started walking, Faith's head swiveling as they crossed from one side to the other. "Can we go to the zoo today, Daddy?"

That heavy feeling returned to his gut. "I wish I could, but I have to go to work today, and there's not time."

"Oh." He hated that tone of disappointment.

"You know I have a job, sweetie. And sometimes I have to work weekends."