“He does that. He has no filter whatsoever.”
“That he doesn’t,” I agree as we head to the sports complex. “But it’s okay. He loves you two. That’s all that matters to me.”
“He does,” she says softly, and it’s like she has more to say. “Just don’t hate him, okay? He’s a great guy, and he only loves hard.”
I gaze into her eyes. “I know, Callie. I promise.”
“I know he can be difficult to deal with. He’s just…” Her words trail off, and I wrap her up in my arms.
“It’s fine,” I promise. “I’m a big girl. I’ve been called everything under the moon and have been doubted my whole life. All his words did was fuel me to prove him wrong. Don’t worry.”
She swallows hard as she nods. “I’m the same way. You gifted me that trait.”
My heart sings. “And I couldn’t be prouder.”
She wraps her arms around me, and we walk, holding each other. Sometimes I forget who I have watching me and looking up to me. I may be terrified of Kirby, of the feelings I have for him, but knowing that not only is Callie watching but Celeste, there is only one thing I can do.
I need to find my happiness so they know they can find theirs.
Chapter Sixteen
Kirby
* * *
Jean moves through the kitchen, cleaning up after CC as I stand there like a bump on a log. CC giggles and slaps the tray of her high chair as Jean makes a face at her while she does the dishes. She’s very quick, very efficient, and somehow, she keeps CC engaged as she cleans. Jean’s hair is up in a high bun, and she’s wearing a flowy green baseball tee and some fitted pants. As always, that smile of hers is unstoppable. With the preseason about the start, we’ve upped her hours so CC can get used to being with just her. She still cries for me, which, if I’m honest, makes me feel good. But then I also feel like shit, because I’m unsure how she’ll handle me being gone for days and weeks at a time. It makes me nervous, but Jean is very confident everything will work out.
While this arrangement may work out, the custody issue with Lilly is a whole other ball game. She didn’t show up for court this morning like I knew she wouldn’t, and I am so fucking annoyed I could spit. I tried calling her, but she ignored my call. Willa told me not to try to contact her, to let it be, but I’m so mad. I think that’s why Jean is so diligent about getting everything done before she heads out. To ease my worries and my load.
She’s a damn good girl.
“You got plans this afternoon?”
She beams over at me and nods. “I do. I’m going to go see my dad.”
“That’s nice. He’s over at West Side?” It’s a retirement home the IceCats have visited before.
“Yeah. His mind is gone, real bad dementia. He doesn’t remember me at all, so I only go once a month so I don’t overwhelm him.”
Jesus. That sucks. “Didn’t you say your mom passed?”
She nods, and I regret asking, or better yet, remembering since she already told me all this. It’s obvious her mom’s passing is still a wound that is raw and open. “Yeah, almost ten years now.”
“Yeah, it’s been nine for me for my dad. But we didn’t have a relationship.”
“You said he wasn’t in your life?”
“Not at all,” I say with a shrug. “But I’m good with it. I’ve been through enough therapy, and it only fuels me to be the best dad for my CC.”
“You really are, though,” she agrees, cupping the back of CC’s head. “I’ve nannied for a lot of families, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen a dad like you.”
Pride fills me deep within. Bashfully, I joke, “I pay you to say those kinds of things.”
She snorts. “Not at all. I’m honest to a fault. I got fired from a job once because I told the parents exactly what their kids were doing and how awful they were to me. They said they didn’t need to know what they did or how they talked to me, that I was to do my job and leave them out of it. When I disagreed, they fired me. Elaine, my boss, canceled their contract.”
“Jackasses.”
“Exactly. So, believe me when I say you’re a great dad. I know you’re nervous about leaving, but I promise, she’s going to be great. Loads of FaceTiming is in our future. I may even become a hockey fan from all the games we’ll be watching.”
I grin at her. “I appreciate that. And in return, I’ll get you a matching jersey.”
“Score,” she says with a wink, and my grin gets bigger if that’s possible. I like this girl a lot. “Okay, so I’m gonna lay this little sugar bear down for a nap, and then I’ll head out.”