Page 65 of Wrapped in Winter

“You do have us, but you're going to want friends your age, right? I bet you’ll have the most friends in class, and you're all going to have a great time learning.”

She still won’t look at me and I suspect there's something more than just friends she’s worried about. “Tell me what you’re really worried about, Pretty Lily. You know, I tell your momma all the time that she can tell me anything. I’ll never laugh at her and only try to help. So why don’t you tell me what you're really thinking.”

She scribbles then finally puts down the crayon. “I don't want to be the only kid without a dad.”

I close my eyes and my heart sinks to my stomach. How on earth do I navigate this with her? I do my best to send up a quick prayer to my sister for the right words. “I can imagine that would make you feel bad.” I swallow hard not knowing if I’m going to say the right thing or not. “But you have so many aunts and you have crazy uncles and–”

“Would you be my dad?” She tilts her head and continues to color. “If someone asks, can I say you’re my dad?”

I roll my lips inward. “Lily, I don’t think lying is the best answer here–”

“They won’t know! You’re always with momma anyway.”

I take a deep breath. I don’t know if I’m going to have the right answer or not but I refuse to let her feel like she’s alone. Like she’s going to be an outcast at school. And at this moment, I’m taking charge. I’m going to take ownership of mine and January's relationship. I’m done playing house. I'm here for good and she’s going to get on board.

“You know what? You're right. I am always with your mom. I love her. And I love you, too. And if you want to tell people I’m your dad, I’ll wear that title proudly.”

She looks up at me with wide eyes.“Really? You love us?”

I smile at her picking up the L word instead of the dad word. Because that’s what it comes down to, love and not a title. “I do. But I have a secret.” She leans in so excited to hear gossip and it makes me laugh. “I haven’t told your momma yet so let’s keep this quiet. When I see her tonight, I’m going to tell her.”

She jumps in her seat. “You love her!” She yells in the quiet library and I laugh. She gets out of her chair and throws her little arms around me. “Thank you for loving momma. She’s been so sad and you make her happy.”

“You both make me happy.”

I brought Lily back to January’s house after the library. She text me to say she was hung up at the shop a bit longer than usual but Meadow was going to meet me at the house.

We walked in and Lily went running for her. I love how big she loves and she’s always so excited to be with everyone. Lily is the glue that's going to hold this family together. January gave a gift to them all and she doesn't even realize it.

“Hey stud, have you seen any good bathrooms lately?”

I roll my eyes at Meadow’s comment, knowing she’s only doing it to get a rise out of me. January has told me before that Meadow loves the reaction.

“About as many bathrooms as you've seen stockrooms.”

I give it right back to her and I laugh as she bites her lip and flips me the bird.

“Your friend needs to loosen up.”

“I agree.” I say.

“What are you going to do about it?” she asks.

I place the bag of cookies from the bakery on the counter as Lily goes running by us shouting about Prince Eric and I know the Little Mermaid is about to blast through the speakers in the house. “I’m not going to do anything. I got him here. It’s your job to show him something new.”

She eyes me. “Why do you like my sister?”

“She’s hot.”

She scoffs but wears a grin. “We’re all hot. So why did you choose her?”

I watch her, taking in how much she looks like Blossom and January. The Nilssons are a gorgeous bunch. But Meadow has a wild streak about her that was never something I looked for. ButCole? It’s something he needs so I’ll support this anyway I can. “She chose me.”

She breaks into a sly smile. “She did, didn't she?”

I nod. “But I would have chosen her too. And Lily.”

She begins moving around the kitchen, putting away dishes and wiping down the counter that has already been cleaned. I know this act. I’ve done it a thousand times. It's akeep busy and no one will know there's anything wrongact. “Cole can handle it, Meadow. Just don't disappear on him. Invite him in and he’ll stick.” I need to tell her. I need her to know Cole is a steadfast guy. But at the same time, I'm worried she’ll love him and leave him. And honestly, he could probably handle that too. But he's mentioned her two times too many which lets me know he’s thinking differently about her.