Page 71 of Steel

“Breakfast is my favorite. You know that, silly.”

My mouth drops open in mock surprise when I crack some eggs into the mixing bowl. “Say it ain’t so. I thought that was some other beautiful little girl around here I call daughter.”

Lyric rolls her eyes with a smirk and props her chin on her fist as she watches me. She’s quiet, and when I peer over at her, I can see her brain working hard behind her eyes. I wait her out, knowing whatever it is, she’ll bring it up to me when she’s ready, and I continue with breakfast.

I’m chopping up the bell pepper when she finally decides to broach the subject.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah?”

“When are me and Mommy moving back in with you?”

The knife freezes mid-chop, her question surprising me. But then I play it over and take note of the tone of her voice. There’s a quiet sadness and a bit of apprehension hidden in there.

I set the knife down and wipe my hands on the towel before making my way around the island to where she’s sitting. “What made you ask that, Princess?”

She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and chews on it, one of the nervous tics I’ve noticed she’s picked up over the last few years.

With a sigh, I grab the roll of paper towels, tear a piece off, and run it under cold water then reach over and pull her lip from between her teeth. “Told you about that, Lyric. Goin’ to hurt yourself.” I dab at it with the paper towel, wiping away some of the little beads of blood that have blistered on the top layer of her lip. “Did Mom say you were?”

When she doesn’t say anything, I know that my girl isn’t going to. That’s one thing I love about her—she’s so damn loyal to those she loves, even if they barely fucking deserve it.

Pulling out the stool next to her, I climb onto it and turn toward her. I try to figure out what answer she’s wanting from me, but just like everything else, the ability to hide her emotions is something else she’s gotten from me. Mostly, I think it’s because she’s always terrified to let Heather know how she’s really feeling, which is fucking sad.

My failure to provide her with a happy life creeps up on me again, especially since I’m still fresh from Bozo’s funeral and his wishes for me regarding Lyric. I don’t know if me not being with Heather is the right thing for Lyric, but I know that me wanting my girl to have a two-parent household is merely a wish that I think most parents want for their children. But there are single parents out there slaying every single fucking day, and their children grow up strong, smart, and healthy. If I’m honest with myself, the only way I’m going to fail Lyric is if Heather and I do get back together, because then I’m just putting her right back into the toxic homelife she was in before I left.

With that thought in mind, I reach over and tug a piece of her hair, smiling at her softly. “I ever lie to you about anything, Lyra?” She shakes her head. “Right, so not goin’ to start now. Your mom and me, it ain’t happenin’, kiddo. The only ones who are goin’ to be livin’ in this house right now are you and me. Got a life that your mom isn’t goin’ to be a part of like that anymore. We tried and we couldn’t make it. Want nothing but the best for you, Princess. All I ever wanted was to make sure you’re happy, but I can’t do that if I’m not, and I realized that being with your mom doesn’t make me that way. Might not be what you want to hear, but it is what it is. That’s where I’m at with it. For now, it’s just you and me, Lyra. Are you good with that?”

“I want you happy, Daddy.” Her little head drops for a few minutes and then she peers up at me with glossy eyes. “I’m not happy with Mommy either,” she whispers, causing my heart to constrict in my chest.

“Lyra, has something happened?” I ask as calmly as I can. The question is pointless. I know she’s not going to tell me anything. “Just answer me one thing. Has she physically hurt you? Has anyone else?”

“No.”

I blow out a breath. “Okay. Good. That’s good. We’ll figure everything else out, ‘kay? Now, how about you finish your dinner, and we’ll watch a movie or two before bed?”

Lyric narrows her eyes. “Do I get to pick?”

I squint back at her. “Horror, action, comedy, or romance?”

They’re the four genres I know she’s crazy over, with horror being her number one. I swear that girl of mine could tell you anything you want to know about any fucking horror flick ever made. She likes to watch a few feel-good movies tossed in, which is when she’ll turn to some romance or comedy, but they’re never the first she’ll choose.

Her lips quirk into a lopsided smile. “Romance.”

Wretching noises come from my throat as I pretend to throw up, and her giggles bounce around the kitchen, sending a rush of warmth and love through my heart. “Gross. Romance makes my eyes bleed.”

Lyric crinkles her nose as her giggles die down. “You’re so goofy.” She pats me on the head and digs into her food. “One day, Daddy, you’re going to thank me for making you watch these with me.”

My mouth twitches. “Oh, yeah? Why’s that?”

She points the fork at me. “Because you’re going to be absolutely hopeless when a woman walks into your life. You’re going to need me and all my romance movie knowledge, Daddy.”

I swallow the bite of omelet before asking, “That so?”

“Yep.”

“What if you’re the only female I need in my life, Princess?” I tease.

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