What do I do?He’d never seen her like this. Tomorrow, she’d leave. He wouldn’tsee them again for months.
I don’t want their last memory of me to be negative.
I don’t want her to hate me.
“I have a great idea. There’s a fun restaurant where the waiters dress up and sing and dance. You’ll love it. Come on. Get your shoes on.”
They were in New York City.
Why not dazzle them?
Give them an experience they’ll never forget.
As the limo slowed, Cole took in the flashing lights and cluster of glamorous people. Dinner had gone so great, he’d figured he’d surprise them with the screening.
He’d already texted his dad to let him know they were stopping by. They’d take a quick walk down the red carpet, a picture with Trevor, and then they’d head home.
It’d be a night to remember.
Paisley gazed out the window, eyes wide. “Is this it?”
“Yep. It’s Trevor’s screening.”
“Yay.” She clapped her hands.
Cole: We’re here. Can you get away for a minute to take a pic with the girls?
Aging Movie Star: Sure thing. Meet you at the other end of the carpet.
Cole: Cool. Thanks.
He pocketed his phone. “Here’s the deal. You’re both holding my hand, and you’re not letting go. Not even for a second. Is that clear?”
Paisley nodded while Evvie’s legs kicked out in her car seat.
“Okay, good. And like I said, we’re only staying for five minutes. Right?”
“Right.”
“You like your new clothes?” After the diner, they’d started the walk back to Trevor’s, but they’d found a children’s clothing store. Paisley had spotted a pink tulle dress in the window. That’s when he’d come up with the idea to give her the night of her life.
“I love my dress so much. I love it, love it, love it.” She tapped the pink patent leather Mary Jane shoes they’d bought to match the dress.
Evvie couldn’t have cared less about dresses, so she’d gotten black boots that looked like Trevor’s, a pleated skirt, and a bright pink and blue gumball machine purse with a shiny red strap. She was fucking adorable.
The limo stopped. “Here we go.” He unbuckled them.
An attendant opened the door, but before they got out, Paisley tugged on the sleeve of his tuxedo jacket. “I’m sorry for saying you’re mean, Cole.” She flung herself into his arms. “I love you.”
With a hand on the back of her head, he held the little girl close, breathing her in and just reveling in the fact that he’d earned her affection. “I love you, too, Paisley. So much.” He wanted to tell her he was her forever home—so badly—but he had to wait for Hailey.
The moment they stepped out of the car, Evvie clutched his leg. He picked her up, and she buried her face in his neck. Lights flashed, and reporters called his name. He held on to Paisley’s hand tightly as he made his way along the red carpet.
Five minutes. His dad would be waiting for them. And he’d already arranged with the driver where they’d meet.
But with each step he took, the more agitated Evvie grew. Finally, she cupped his cheek and said into his ear, “Go home, Cole. Pease go home.”
“We’re going, sweetheart.”