Page 57 of Yours To Hold
“I’ll even let you get cotton candy for dessert.”
“Yes!” She wraps her arms around my leg. “I want the pink kind.”
“Whatever color you want.”
I go to grab her hand, but she yanks it back. “I don’t want you to mess up my nails.”
Holding up my own green nails, I take a step back in defense. “Sorry. Stay on this side of the sidewalk. We’ll walk over to the field.”
She skips ahead, happy as can be. I wish every day could be like this with her. But life as a single dad pulls me in every fucking direction. Things aren’t always easy, but it makes days like this that much sweeter.
Because I would do anything for my little girl.
It’s the perfect day for a game. Buying two tickets for the outfield, I steer Willow toward the grassy area.
“You want a hat?” I ask her, passing the stall selling all the gear.
“Yes!” Her brown eyes light up.
The woman behind the counter gives me a big smile as I hand the hat to Willow. She’s been the center of attention today.
It’s not crowded as we find a patch of grass to watch the game. Willow kicks off her boots and runs around, playing with some other kids and watching the game.
Hot dogs are eaten. Cotton candy is had.
The crack of the bat against the ball draws everyone’s attention as it sails in our direction.
“Catch it!” Willow shouts, running at me.
Based on how fast it’s coming, there’s no way I can catch it with my bare hands, so I take a few steps back, pulling Willow with me, and let it drop a few feet in front of us.
“Yes!” She grabs it off the ground, holding it up. “Do we get to keep it?”
“Sure do.”
“Maybe I could be a softball player like them when I grow up. They’re so cool.”
“Whatever you want to be, Pipsqueak.”
She snuggles into my side as we watch the rest of the game.
The day goes by in a blink. Anything Willow wants to do, we do it. Grocery shopping. Why? I don’t know. But we do it. Getting pies from Mrs. Reynolds. A picnic dinner of fried chicken at home with Daisy.
By the time her bed time rolls around, she’s exhausted.
“Did you have fun today?” I ask, tucking her into bed.
Willow sets her ball in front of the picture of her mom on her nightstand. Leaning up, she drops a huge kiss on my cheek.
“Best day ever.”
ChapterSixteen
IVY
“Acountry western bar? Really?” Mason quirks a brow at me.
I point a finger in his face. “No complaining, Winchester. You told me I got to pick what we do tonight.”
