“How about Singy?” Penny suggests. “You know, cuz Sutton is a singer.”
“If you love it, then I love it,” I smile, leaning in to check the temperature on her forehead with the back of my hand.
“Singy it is,” Penny cheers.
“Are you done?” I point to her half-eaten toast and empty soup bowl.
“Yeah. Thanks.” I grab the plates and wash them. When I turn back to face the table, Penny has her head down, half of it on the chick.
“Nap time?” I ask.
She nods slowly, and I carry her to her room, settling her on the bed and tucking her in.
“Can you lay down with me?” Her big, brown eyes blink up at me, and I smirk.
I get in bed with her and close my eyes as Penny places her head on my shoulder. Being a father leaves little room for much else in life. When I am social, Penny comes with me, or I grab a drink at Clarke’s after she’s gone to bed like the other night when Abbie demanded I join them.
Having her in my life is nonnegotiable, and she will always be my priority. Everything else in my life has had to be put on hold. Of course, nights out, drinks with friends, all of that was meant to be experienced with Hadley. Couples, date nights, trips as a family.
“Daddy?” Penny’s voice slices through my thoughts.
“Yeah?” I turn my head and look at her.
“You’re the best Daddy in the whole world.” Her gentle words fill me with peace.
“You’re the best daughter in the whole world,” I tell her. Her bright smile tells me she’s more than happy with that response.
“I love you.” Her arms wrap around my neck in a hug.
Holding her to me, I whisper. “I love you too, sweetheart. More than you’ll ever know.”
She’s worth the pain that has settled in my bones and never left since that dreadful day.
Gavin
Penny swings our linked hands as we walk down Main Street toward The Mad Batter. Her brown and pink square-toe boots pound the sidewalk as her steps speed up the closer we get to the shop. I chuckle to myself, relieved to see her feeling better. After staying home and resting, Penny was back to herself, and she returned to school yesterday.
“Hurry, Daddy, or it’s gonna close.” No longer swaying our arms, she walks in front of me, pulling me.
“We’ve got time,” I smile.
Penny insisted we came to The Mad Batter for our cupcakes right after school, but knowing her, she wouldn’t eat dinner had I done that. Instead, we raced home and ate an early dinner before heading out of the house.
Penny’s mouth splits into a huge smile as I help her pull the door open. Her eyes light up as if it’s been years since she’s been here—my little sweet-tooth girl.
“How are you feeling, Penny?” Mrs. Engle asks with a warm smile.
This shop has been around for years, and Mrs. Engle’s inviting warmth is the cause for people always coming back. Some people even visit from out of town to try her desserts.
“Good!” Penny hollers, and I quiet her down.
“Are you here for cupcakes?” Mrs. Engle looks at Penny then winks at me. Grateful, I nod.
“We’ll have a dozen,” I tell her. “What flavors do you want?” I look down at Penny.
She begins calling out flavors with extreme enthusiasm, causing a few locals in the store to laugh along with her. After filling a box full of vanilla, chocolate, lemon, red velvet, and carrot cake cupcakes, Penny and I take a seat at one of the tables with a juice for her and coffee for me.
“I like our dates,” Penny says around a mouthful of vanilla cupcake and a frosting mustache. Smiling, I wipe her mouth.
“I do, too, sweetheart.”
Penny places her cupcake on her napkin and swipes her hands before taking a sip of juice.
“How was school today?”
“Good. I had to take a math test that I missed, but it was easy.”
“That’s ‘cause you’re a smart cookie,” I wink.
“I rather be a smart cupcake.” She holds up her cupcake in front of her face and smiles.
“Smart cupcake it is.”
I finish my red velvet cupcake and lean back in my chair, watching my girl enjoy the heck out of that cupcake. It’s special to spend quality time with her, taking in every second as she grows up way too fast.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” Sutton stands next to our table, looking at Penny.
“Hi!” Penny sputters cupcake crumbs all over.
“Penny,” I warn. “Clean your mouth.” She grabs a napkin and swipes it across her face, spreading the crumbs even more. I lean forward and clean her up before looking at Sutton.
“Sorry about that.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “No need to apologize. If I were eating a cupcake, I’d be more concerned about that than anything else.”
“Do you want one?” Penny asks, then looks at me quickly. “Is it okay to share with her, Daddy?” Her eyes round with hope.
“Of course.” I nod, tensing a bit.
“Oh, no.” Sutton waves her hand. “Thank you, but you two enjoy them. I just wanted to see how you were feeling,” she talks to Penny.
“Good. Thank you for the chick. I named her Singy after you since you’re a singer,” Penny explains with pride lighting up her features.
“I’m honored, and I’m glad you liked it. I hope Singy helped soothe you while you were sick.” Sutton squats in front of Penny with a gentle smile that reaches her eyes, her short wavy hair falling away from its place behind her ear.
I look away from her and scan the shop, catching Mrs. Engle’s wink. I roll my eyes and drink my coffee as Sutton and Penny talk.
“I’ll let you two get back to your cupcakes.” She stands and waves.
“Please sit with us,” Penny pleads, her
