Wyatt sighed. “So, as much as I hate to say this, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay for dinner.”
Lily cocked her head to the side and Maggie spun around on her stool. She placed her hands on her hips, causing flour and breadcrumbs to fall down her shirt and onto the floor.
“You aren't leaving, Daddy,” she said, pouting out her lower lip.
His heart turned to lead and sank into his stomach. “I'm sorry, baby. Uncle Derek called and asked if I could go to a basketball game with him. I told him that I would. He had an extra ticket and didn't want to waste it.”
Wyatt realized how pathetic his excuse was the moment the words came out of his mouth. He could see it in his daughter's eyes, too. She didn't care about some basketball game. All that she cared about was spending time with her dad.
“When are you leaving?” Lily asked. “Maybe we can squeeze in dinner before you go.”
“I won't have time.” Wyatt glanced at his watch. “Derek said he would be here in twenty minutes.”
r /> Lily nodded and forced a smile, but Wyatt could tell that she was disappointed with his leaving. She had obviously gone to some effort to prepare dinner. She and Maggie both had.
“Pwease don't go, Daddy,” Maggie begged, her eyes becoming shrink-wrapped in tears. “Wiwee and I made you dinner.”
Her words made his heart melt even further and a wave of guilt came over him.
What in the hell am I thinking? He thought quietly. Why would I even consider prioritizing a basketball game over spending time with my daughter. I already live most of my life at the office and don't get much time at home. I should stay here, with them.
Wyatt took a seat on one of the stools in front of the center island in the kitchen. Lily had turned back around to continue chopping up vegetables, but Maggie stayed staring at her dad. She wanted a response from him and she wanted it now.
“You know what,” Wyatt finally said, after a few moments of silence. “I'll stay for dinner. Screw it. It's just a stupid basketball game.”
Maggie's eyes shot open and the smile returned to her face in an instant. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” he said. “I'll stay here with you guys tonight.”
“Yay!” Maggie cried out. She hopped off of her stool and ran over to Wyatt, wrapping her arms around his leg. “I love you, Daddy.”
He instantly knew that he'd made the right decision. There was nothing in the world that could compare to how great he felt when his daughter was happy. Not even court-side seats to his favorite basketball team.
“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he said, ruffling up her hair a bit.
Lily turned around again. “That's awesome that you're going to stay, Wyatt. I think you'll like this meal. I hope anyway.”
Wyatt stood up from his seat. Maggie immediately took his hand and led him to the counter where she had been working beside Lily.
“Come here, Dad,” she said, pulling him along. “You can help.”
He chuckled. “I'm not so sure you want me to help. I have no business in here. Trust me. Maggie, don't you remember what I did to the French toast the other morning?”
Maggie didn't reply, she just crawled back onto her stool and continued putting vegetables into the bowl. She did her work with such pride, too. Each carrot was placed carefully, as though she was creating a heartfelt piece of art.
“Wyatt, if you want to help, I've actually got a job for you,” Lily said.
“Alright, I'll do my best,” he said. “What do you have for me?”
“I need you to whip up a few eggs,” she replied. “Then, you'll take these slices of eggplant that I've just cut up and dip them in the eggs. Once their coated with that, I'll have you roll them in breadcrumbs. That's what makes the crust.”
“Okay. Whip eggs, dip eggplant, then roll in breadcrumbs,” he said. “Got it.”
He headed to the fridge and pulled out some eggs, setting them on the counter near Lily. Before he got to work, though, he quickly texted Derek to let him know that he wouldn't be attending the game that evening. Not two seconds after sending the text, Derek called him. Wyatt took a few steps away and picked up the phone.
“Hey, Derek,” he said.
“You're not coming?” Derek said. “You've got to be kidding me, man. What on earth would keep you from going to this game tonight?”