Page 16 of Suddenly Entwined

“Oh, um, I’d really like it if you knocked next time. You know, since there’s a door now.”

I hold my breath, waiting for Berg to bite my head off. For him to tell me he can parent his own kids.

“Plus,” I add, continuing on when he stays silent, “You haven’t told me who is who.”

I know full well who they are, but I’d rather hear it from them.

“I’m Louisa and I’m six and eleven quarters.”

Berg covers his mouth with his hand, but I can see his smile.

“Fractions aren’t really her strong suit,” he says.

I gesture to the purple stuffy. “And who is your friend?”

“Leggy the octopus. She’s one.”

The older sister rolls her eyes. “She can’t be one. You’ve had her since you were a baby.”

“She can still be one! Daddy, can Leggy be one?” She cranes her neck as she waits for her father’s reply.

“What? Yes. Sure. Leggy can be one.”

Louisa darts her tongue out at her sister with lightning speed.

“I’m Natalie. I’m eight.”

“And?”

The girls glance at each other in confusion.

“You’re eight and…”

“Oh!” Natalie perks up. “Eight and a half.”

“Perfect.” She smiles, “The half matters.”

I extend my hand to each girl. “It’s very nice to meet the both of you. I’m Carolina. You can call me Caro, if you want. Oh, and I’m twenty-five.”

“And?” asks Natalie.

“A half. Twenty-five and…” I think for a moment. “Three quarters.”

“My Daddy is forty,” Natalie says the number so emphatically that I almost laugh.

“Cool. Thanks for that.” He meets my eyes. “Never tell your kids how old you are. They’ll use it against you.”

“Noted.”

Berg reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a packet of tissues, taking a knee and wiping the lipstick from his daughter’s mouth.

“That looked beautiful, Lou, but it’s not for school. Okay?”

Louisa squirms, pouting a bit as he wipes it off.

Even kneeling down, Berg is still massive next to her, yet his movements are incredibly gentle as he dabs away the makeup. The entire scene is adorable, and I have to wonder if he knows it. Any sane woman would swoon at the sight. I mean, if handy single-dads were their type. A responsible family man like Berg is definitely out of my league.

Chapter eight

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