“That’s Penny’s favorite,” I chuckle. “I think she cons me into taking her there more often than I intend to.”
“I bet. That little girl can eat cupcakes like they’re going out of style.”
I nod. Penny could live off of them if I let her.
Sutton releases my hand to lower the napkin on her cone. My hand itches to reach out to her again, keep some part of us connected. I don’t miss people looking at us with raised eyebrows and whispering. Everyone in town has only known me with Hadley, and after she left, they’ve known me as the lonely father.
After biting off a piece of her cone, Sutton says, “Do you like to cook?”
“I do. I’ll admit my mom does most of the cooking at home since my dad and I get home later from the ranch. Usually, Penny helps her. Sometimes Penny and I cook so we can bond.”
The smile that brightens her face speaks for itself. Sutton looks at me over her ice cream cone with gentle eyes. “I bet she loves that.”
“She does. We’ll put on music, sing and cook. Sometimes she’ll start dancing on the counter.” I chuckle, thinking about my sweet girl—Penny’s one-of-a-kind.
Sutton laughs and turns around to stand next to me. “Don’t want to bump into anyone that may be walking in our direction.”
I reach for her hand and link our fingers together. Sutton turns her head toward me. Her lips are pinched in a smile. With my own smile, I take a bite of my cone, sucking up some of the ice cream as well.
“That was really good,” Sutton says and balls up the dirty napkin.
“Glad you liked it. I can’t believe you hadn’t tried the ice cream here before. Homemade, the real stuff.”
“I can’t either. I’ve been a little busy stocking up on cupcakes.” She cocks her head and looks at me with lifted eyebrows.
I shrug unapologetically and grab her napkin. I throw both of our garbage away in the can on the sidewalk.
“I probably should’ve offered we have lunch first.”
“But it’s Sunday Funday,” she sings out.
“Nice play on words,” I laugh.
“I couldn’t help it. Besides, I’ll take ice cream for lunch any day.” She squeezes my fingers.
My phone rings in my pocket, and I fish it out. Seeing my mom’s name on the screen, I apologize to Sutton and answer.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Daddy, where are you?”
“Hey, sweetheart. I’m in town, but I’ll be home in a bit.” I look at Sutton, mouthing, I’m sorry.
She shakes her head and waves it off, motioning for me to keep on talking to Penny.
“Okay,” Penny sighs. “When you come home, can we watch a movie and make popcorn?”
I smile. “We sure can.”
“Will it be in like an hour?” she asks.
“Something like that. Did you have fun with Abbie, Sienna, and Emily?” I look at the patient woman standing before me, and reality sinks in. With her, I feel like a man capable of living his own life. I’ll never forget I have Penny, and I’ll never trade my life with her for anything, but spending time with Sutton has reminded me that I’m more than a father.
“Yeah. I ate all my waffles, and then we went shopping. Grandma wants to talk to you,” she adds abruptly.
“Sorry, Gavin. I told her you were busy, but that little sneak stole my phone and called you,” my mom laughs in disbelief.
“It’s okay. She’s way too smart. I told her I’ll watch a movie with her when I get back.” Father’s guilt seeps in.
“She’s fine, Gavin. Take your time and enjoy your day. She knows you’re coming back.” My mom’s words kick me in the gut.
Penny was only a baby when Hadley left, but I sometimes wonder if somewhere in her subconscious, she remembers her mother leaving her. She’s so attached to me that I have to think it’s rooted in the fear of being abandoned, even if she doesn’t consciously remember the experience.
“Thanks.” I hang up and look at Sutton. My eyebrows pull together.
“Sorry about that. Penny called to see when I was going home.”
“If you need to go, I totally understand.” She waves a hand.
“I’ve got more time.” I reach for her hand again, tangling our fingers as I lift our connected hands. “She’s okay, just curious.”
“Where to then?” Sutton takes a step closer.
My hand lands on her waist. “How about we have lunch?”
“I should probably be full after eating all that ice cream, but I could totally go for lunch.” I laugh at her honest response and lead the way to a burger joint down the street.
After we’re seated and have ordered, Sutton takes a sip of her water and looks at me.
“What’s your favorite thing about being a dad?” she asks.
“Asking the more difficult questions, I see,” I tease. “Honestly, I love everything about it. It hasn’t been easy,” I shake my head and look at the wood grain design on the table.
“But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love teaching Penny new things, watching her grow and turn into the person she’s becoming. My favorite thing is probably the moments where it’s just the two of us, and she’s telling me about her day. She gets so animated when she speaks.”
“It’s clear the two of you have a strong bond. She’s crazy about you.”
I nod. I’ve raised her all on my own, with the help of my family. Penny’s never known another parent.
“My turn to ask you all the questions.” Right on cue, the waiter brings our burgers.
“This smells so good,” Sutton says, licking her lips.
“They’re the best burgers in town. I know that doesn’t say much, seeing as Everton is a small town, but I promise they won’t disappoint.”
Sutton nods, cutting her burger in half and taking a bite. She moans and covers her mouth. “This is good.” Her eyes widen as she swallows and licks her lips.
I eye her movements, taking in every detail about her. Being with her like this is seamless.
