“Um…” I look between her and Sutton, the idea of doing her hair isn’t exactly what crossed my mind.
Fortunately, Sutton speaks up for me. “My hair isn’t long enough for braids yet, but as soon as it is, we’ll both do braid pigtails. How does that sound?”
“Yesss!” Penny cheers, then stands up and grabs her hot chocolate from my hand.
One thing I learned with Penny early on is that you can’t make a promise to a child unless you intend to keep it. It would devastate Penny if Sutton doesn’t follow through with this, and I don’t want to have to explain to her that not everyone you meet will always be a part of your life. A lesson I know too well.
“Y’all are welcome to take a seat.” Sutton points to the other chairs in the area.
I sit on the chair across from her, and Penny climbs on my lap, blowing the steam off her hot chocolate.
“We don’t want to bother you if you’re busy.” I look at her over the top of my cup.
“Not at all. I met with Averly a few minutes ago and decided to hang out for a bit. I love seeing everyone moving around the town on the weekends.”
“It does get busy around here.” I look out the big windows, noticing the townspeople moving around.
“I saw you on TV, which means you really are famous,” Penny speaks up.
“I heard. Did you see Knox and I perform?” Penny nods in response. “It was really cool,” Sutton leans in to tell her.
“Daddy, we know someone famous.” Her small hand holds my face so that I can look at her.
“Yeah, we do.” My eyes stay trained on Sutton, trying to read her. I’m met with a shy smile and pink cheeks.
“I’m really not that famous,” she defends.
As we fall into conversation and Penny describes her dress for the sock hop to Sutton, I lean back in my chair and watch their interaction. They definitely click. Something about them flows together.
Something about Sutton pulls both of us in. Call it her charm, her southern drawl, or the genuine smile she always wears. Sutton has us wrapped up in her light and joy, and my daughter isn’t the only one that wants to spend more time with her.
I haven’t forgotten about the cupcake I owe her. I also haven’t forgotten the way it felt to spend time with her as she helped me put the smile that’s been on my daughter’s face for days. And I definitely haven’t forgotten that I crave to see her, hear her laughter, and feel her warmth next to me. When she’s around, I’m more than a father, and I remember the man I was before heartbreak.
Making a mental note to take her up on that cupcake offer soon, I tell Penny we have to go to lunch at my aunt and uncle’s house.
“Daddy’s going to take me on a ride with Dusty Buckaroo,” she tells Sutton.
“Have fun, cowgirl. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” Sutton turns to look at me with a tilted smirk and a secret nod. The fact that she kept our braid lesson between us is something I’m grateful for. She’s allowing me to be the hero in my daughter’s world, and that’s priceless.
…
After church, Penny goes home with my parents, and I take Abbie’s advice about getting back into the things I love. With my cooler and supplies packed in the bed of my truck, I stop at Cup-O-Joe for a coffee and sandwich to go.
Fly fishing was always something I made the time for. I’d go out to the river and spend hours out on the water catching anything that would bite. Mostly trout in this area.
As I turn away from the counter, someone smashes into my side. “Whoa.” I hold my cup above my head to avoid it from spilling.
“Shit.” I hear a mumble.
With raised eyebrows, I see a flustered Sutton. “Seems like you’re my crash barrier these days. I’m sorry. Did you drop your coffee? I’ll buy you a new one.” She turns toward the counter, and I grab her arm before she can order.
“My coffee is safe,” I assure her by waving the cup in front of her face.
“Good…okay…sorry again.” She stutters over her words, pink brushing her cheeks, but her eyes are downcast. Unlike her usually easy-going mood, Sutton’s face is marked with worry lines.
“Are you okay?” I bend my head to look at her eyes.
“Yeah, rough morning is all. Nothing a good cup of coffee or five can’t fix. Actually, is it too early to start drinkin’? Do y’all do mimosas Sundays? It’s a thing, you know. Brunch and mimosas, the day of the Lord is the day day-drinking isn’t frowned upon. Oh man, did I just offend you since you’re coming from church? It was meant as a joke. I go to church, too. Well, not today, obviously. I probably should’ve.”
My eyebrows lift on my forehead, and my eyes widen as I listen to her babble about mimosas and day-drinking.
“Ugh.” She tosses her head back. “Sorry. I’m fine. I just need a comfy seat and coffee.” Her eyebrows dip together as she looks around me. “Where’s Penny?” she asks as if noticing for the first time that I’m alone.
“She went home with my parents after church, so I could go fishing,” I explain.
“I haven’t gone fishing in years,” she sighs wistfully. I know the feeling well, though I’m surprised by her comment.
“Do you want to come?” I ask slowly, unsure if it’s a good idea or not.
“Oh man, that totally sounded like I was fishing for an invite, no pun intended. No, no,” she shakes her head. “You go and enjoy your time alone. I’m sure it’s necessary.”
I nod my head toward the door. “Get your coffee and come on. You can tell me all about this rough morning.” It’s the least I can do after all she’s
