Page 156 of Never Let You Go

And I like it.

I like it because I see the excitement on my daughter’s face, and I see Alexandra’s smile as Skye reads the instructions out loud from the box, and it just feels right. It feels good. And I want this moment to last forever.

I pull out my phone and snap a photo.

Yeah, I’ve become that guy.

They both look at me at the same time, and I snap another one.

And, now, a short video as Alexandra shows Skye how to break an egg.

I leave the cake mix out of the frame. Alexandra taught me a thing or two about taking photos. One of them being to leave out anything that could ruin the photo. I’m still partially against cake mixes, so that’s not getting in the picture.

The mixer whirs. Using both hands, Skye carefully blends the ingredients while Alexandra holds the bowl.

I approach the table as Skye finishes. “Daddy!” she exclaims. “Want some?”

“Is that any good?” I ask, instantly feeling like a jerk. Sometimes, I can’t help myself. I dip my finger in the batter and taste.

Skye claps. “I made it!” she says, as if that should settle the debate. And it does for me.

“Mmmmm. That’s why it’s so good. Like father, like daughter.” Truth be told, the shit isn’t as bad as I expected.

Skye raises a scolding eyebrow at me. “Alek-zandra bought aaaall this,” she says, her hands gesturing at what’s on the table in a swiping motion, “and my new apron! Look! Today is Kids’ Day in this family.”

“I see that.” I smile at Alexandra, my stomach softening as our gazes connect.

“The light is off!” Skye cries.

“How many minutes?” Alexandra asks as she loads the cake in the oven.

Skye reads from the box. “Fifteen minutes or until a knife inser—ted in the center comes out clean.”

“Fifteen, it is. Come here and set the timer,” she says, then, “Dishes, now,” when Skye returns to the table.

“I’ll do dishes,” I say. “It’s Kids’ Day. And you’ve done enough,” I say to Alexandra.

“Woo-hoo!” Skye dances around the kitchen.

“Want to bring the cake to Lynn and Craig’s tonight?” I ask.

“Yessss!” Skye squeals.

This is what complete feels like. This is the life I want. And I don’t want it with just any woman.

I want it with Alexandra.

And I’ll have it. No matter what.

I’ll have her.

Before we go to the farm, I call my mother, and we switch to a video call. Ryan and Trevor are on either side of her, each with an arm flung across her shoulders, and even Dean, their father, pokes his head in briefly.

The perfect family.

The one I’m not a part of.

“You guys look buff,” I tell my half brothers. “Working out?”

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