Before I can get out of the SUV, there’s a knock on my side window.
Turning, I see my old friend.
“Look, Mommy, it’s Dax.”
My cheeks rise as my smile broadens. “It is.”
I unlock the doors, and Dax opens my door. “Hi.”
It’s not fair what he does to me. My heart is racing, and my skin feels clammy. Standing here, Daxton Richards is sex on a stick. His cheeks are red from the sun, and his blond hair is damp and combed back. His smile glistens and letting my gaze sweep lower, I notice how the Dri-FIT shirt stretches over his shoulders and wide chest. He’s wearing khaki shorts and cloth loafers.
“Hi,” I say back.
“I was afraid you would change your mind.”
“I did about a hundred times.”
His smile grows as his golden orbs stay focused on me. “Then I’m glad you didn’t do it one more time.”
He offers me his hand, and I get out of the SUV. He steps back as I open Molly’s door.
As I unbuckle her, I say, “Molly, this is Dax, Mommy’s old friend.”
“Hi, Dax,” she says excitedly. “You don’t look old. Not like Grandmom did.”
Dax and I both laugh.
Once she’s out of the car, Dax bends his long legs and gets down on his haunches. “Hello, Molly. I’m very glad to formally meet you.”
I bite my lip to keep my tears at bay as I watch the two of them looking at each other with the same color eyes. My heart leaps; my chest feels tight. I’d never dared to dream that this would happen and now here it is, more than I ever imagined.
Molly offers Dax her hand.
He glances up at me.
All I can do is nod.
Taking her hand, he shakes it.
“Hi, Dax,” she says.
“How about some ice cream?” I say as I take Molly’s hand.
The whole evening feels surreal as if I’m in a dream.
The Tastee Freeze is located next to a small stream. The ground in between is covered in white pebbles with several picnic tables and benches. There are lights strung over our heads for after dark.
I reach for my purse after I order for myself and Molly, but Dax won’t have it. He adds a blueberry shake to the order and insists on paying.
The three of us sit on a bench facing the stream as Dax asks Molly questions and she tells him everything and more. At some point, he lifts his arm over the back of the bench, and it stretches from him over Molly to me.
My thoughts are filled with Hallmark stories despite telling myself to not have hope. It’s exactly what I do have.
Next door is a small playground near our library.
After our ice cream is done, Dax and I walk Molly to the playground and find another bench where we can watch her. She runs off with a smile as she sees Amber, a friend from school.
“You’ve done an amazing job,” Dax says. “She’s perfect.”
I shake my head. “I think she is, but she isn’t perfect.” I smile at him. “She’s amazing. Each day I feel like she’s growing and comprehending so much more.”
He scoots closer and lifts my hand. “I’m sorry you had to take care of her alone.”
I contemplate retrieving my hand, but I don’t. “I haven’t done it alone. My parents are wonderful. Ruth was fantastic. Chloe and Mick are great.” I grin. “And so is Justin.”
Dax releases my hand and rubs his jaw. “Yeah, so your brother punched me this morning.”
My eyes grow wide, and my fingertips go to my lips. “He didn’t.”
Dax nods with a grin. “I deserve it. If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure Mick and Ricky could have kept it to one punch.”
I reach for his chin and turn his face toward me. “Are you hurt? I’m sorry.”
His smile grows. “I’m fine. I’m glad you care.”
My gaze goes out to the playground where Molly and her friend are climbing a slide. “I’ve always cared.”
This time, it’s Dax who reaches for my chin, bringing my gaze back to his. “You’re more beautiful than I remember.”
“Yeah, well, you’re not as handsome.” I laugh. “You’re more, too.”
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
