Page 19 of Forever Player

“Well, that’s a good thing. Hopefully you don’t have a short attention span,” she says, and I realize what a number Willow’s dad did on this family.

“My attention span is just fine. I’m here to stay, ma’am, you might as well get used to me,” I inform her.

She raises her brows and bounces her head. “Where is my daughter?” she asks, but before I answer she turns to the coffee machine and pours herself a cup.

“Sleeping.”

She sips her coffee. “My husband didn’t help at all when the kids were young. He’d pretend to work so he could run out of here like the place was on fire.”

“My dad was an alcoholic. He just died last month.”

“Shit. Sorry.”

I wave her off.

“Is there a stroller or something I can use to take Maylee for a walk? It seems mild outside today,” I say.

“Stroller’s on the porch. Her snowsuit is in the front closet. Make sure you put a good hat on her and use a blanket to block the wind,” she instructs.

“Will do.”

I pick up my daughter and bundle her for outdoors. I then head up to her room to grab my jacket.

Willow has just woken up and she is walking toward the bathroom.

“Good morning,” I greet her.

“Hi, baby girl. How was your morning?” she coos at Maylee.

“If she could talk, she’d say I was the coolest dad. She ate well, played, met my siblings, and pooped. We’re all good. Going outside to get some fresh air now,” I share and then I pause and take her in. She’s wearing a sleep shirt that hits mid-thigh. My eyes run a trail down her legs and up to her pert nipples peeking through the shirt.

“Ah, you got a situation,” I say to her, waving my finger in front of her leaky breasts.

She looks down.

“Oops. They’re like a clock and I’m used to feeding her in the morning,” she explains.

“Did you want to feed her?” I ask to be polite.

“Nah, she ate. She won’t want more. I’ll just pump.”

“You could sleep some more,” I offer.

“Ellie called. She and Eden are coming by. The guys left early this morning.”

“Yeah,” I reply, and I don’t realize I’ve fixated on her boobs until she gives me a pointed look. “Uh, sorry, they just look so firm and full.”

“What?” she asks slightly alarmed.

My eyes widen. “Shit, sorry. I’m not used to all this.”

“You seem to be doing well. Maylee is happy.” She smiles at our girl as I hold her in front of me. She kicks out her legs.

“I’m happy too,” I respond.

Willow gives me a curious look.

“Okay, well, I’ll take that walk now.” I clear my throat.

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