I’ve done everything in my power to make sure Penny knows what unconditional love is. My family adores her. She knows what love feels like, but one comment and that security could come tumbling down.
I won’t let that happen. I’ll make sure that when the time comes, she hears the true story from me. I’ll make sure to hug her and reassure her that despite her mom leaving, she’s been as loved as any child with two parents. And, if God allows it, she’ll have a mother figure one day.
I don’t know if Sutton is ready for all that comes with dating me, but I trust she’s taken it into consideration. She’s a smart and grounded woman that knows dating a single father may come with a different type of responsibility than dating a man who is completely unattached.
Penny and I are a package deal.
After putting Penny to bed, I drop on the couch and drop my head in my hands.
“What’s wrong?” My mom’s worried voice fills the living room.
I look up at her. Water fills my eyes—frustration, anger, and sadness. She sits next to me and holds one of my hands with both of hers. In this moment, I feel like a small child again.
I see the anger build in my mom’s green eyes as I tell her about my conversation with Penny. I assure her I’ll be speaking with administration first thing in the morning.
“What worries me most is if I handled her questions correctly. I don’t want her to automatically think Sutton will be her mom because she won’t. I also don’t want to tell her Hadley abandoned us. I want to protect Penny, not cause her pain.”
I run a trembling hand down my face.
“You did what was best for her at this moment.” My mom pats my knee.
I nod, hoping to God that she’s right.
“Gavin, I’ve never met a father that outlives himself for his child. Not even your own dad. Yes, he’s a great father, but you take this role so seriously. You’ve had to, playing two parts in parenthood. Penny is going to be all right. She knows you’ll always be there for her.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I kiss her cheek and expel a heavy sigh.
“You’ll always be my boy.” She smiles and stands. “As for Sutton, allow life to lead you where you’re both meant to be. I have a feeling things will work out just fine.” She winks and leaves me alone in the living room with my thoughts.
Sutton
Between my out of town show last weekend and Gavin’s responsibilities, we have spent as much time together these last couple of weeks as our busy lives have allowed. Now that Penny knows Gavin and I are dating, he feels better about going out during the week.
The more time I spend with him, the more I want him in my life. I crave to see him, miss him when I’m away, and get giddy every time we kiss. I’ve never dated a man who is a father, and it’s been a learning curve since we can’t be spontaneous. However, with my career, it’s not as if I can pack a bag and go on a weekend trip without planning it.
Penny’s giggles in the distance break up my wandering thoughts. After lunch, we came to the park. The weather is actually decent, or I’ve gotten accustomed to Wyoming’s crazy temperatures, but we can finally be comfortable outdoors.
I smile as I watch her jump off the swing and land on her feet with ease. Gavin looks my way and winks before he listens to something Penny says. Heat fills my veins. Gavin has proven to me that despite his reserved character, he’s got a heart of gold. He’s also becoming well-versed with my lips and body. We’re taking things slow, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had our own kind of fun when we’re alone.
Suddenly, Penny taps him and runs away. I laugh to myself as I watch them play tag. Gavin pretends to go one way when Penny goes another, and she laughs maniacally.
“Try and get me,” she taunts him, bouncing on her feet. Gavin’s smile fills his face. He jogs over to Penny and reaches for her. She squeals when he catches her and lifts her over his head.
“Sutton, play with us,” Penny yells as Gavin places her back on her feet.
“What happened to Famous Singer?” I pout. She’s been calling me by my name more often, and I kind of liked that she had a nickname for me.
Penny wipes the wild strands of hair from her face. “I can still call you that,” she smiles, displaying the gap between her two bottom teeth where she lost her first tooth.
“Are we playing tag?” I ask with my hands on my hips.
“Yup.” She slaps Gavin’s hip and yells, “Daddy’s it,” as she runs away from him as fast as possible.
I guffaw as I run away from him too, taunting him. I hop from leg to leg, waiting to see if he’s going to go after Penny or me. Penny laughs and runs behind me, grabbing the back of my shirt.
“Am I protecting you from him?” I ask while keeping my eyes on Gavin.
“Yes!”
When he begins to run toward us, I grab Penny’s hand and dash away from Gavin. We run around the swing set, and Penny climbs the ladder to the slide, using the height to her advantage. Gavin can reach her, but it’s adorable to watch as she holds herself up there in hopes that it will protect her from being tagged.
I widen my eyes when Gavin stalks toward me and fend for myself. I eye the dome climber but opt not to attempt to climb it hastily and risk a banged-up knee. Instead, I slip under the dome, knowing Gavin’s tall frame won’t be able to slide under it as gracefully.
When he turns
