Page 1 of Wild For You

1

Nico

Haley carried her small bag to the front door, groaning, but not wanting any help. For such a small girl, her independence was important to her.

“I can take yours, daddy.”

Mine weighed at least ten more pounds than hers. “That’s okay, sweetie. Daddy can handle his own. Why don’t you one more sweep of your room and make sure you aren’t forgetting anything? It’s a four-hour drive.

She smiled and skipped off to her room.

“You know, she adores you, right?” my mother said.

“Yes, but still wish her mother was around for her. Haley misses her and doesn’t understand the situation.”

Today, we were leaving to attend my cousin’s wedding in Lawson Ridge, but I never planned on returning. The town held too many memories, but my mother talked me into going against my will. Haley would enjoy herself and get to meet some of my family, so I gave in.

“Let’s go!” Haley said, running back out to the door, turning the handle, and staring back at us. “We are going to be late.”

The wedding wasn’t until tomorrow. I load the bags into the back of my truck and buckle her in. “Let’s hit the road, munchkin.”

My mother sat in the passenger seat, and though I wasn't excited about the drive, I didn't often have opportunities like this. Being a single father, my whole life revolved around Haley. I didn’t like paying someone to babysit her so I could go out, so I stayed in beside work.

Shortly after her mother left, I attempted to have someone watch her, but it didn’t even take an hour before the babysitter was calling. Haley believed I would never return, causing her distress.

I pulled out of our driveway and onto the pavement to start the four-hour drive to Lawson Ridge. If I was lucky, they would both fall asleep until we get there. Nice and quiet.

Almost five hours later, because of traffic, we pulled into the parking lot for the hotel in Lawson Ridge. My mother and Haley both passed out on the road in just half an hour.

“We are here.”

Haley jolted awake, clapping her hands and looking out the window. “I’m so excited.”

My mother stretched her arms. “I know how much you hate Lawson Ridge, but this wedding is a good thing. Just try to enjoy yourself.”

Easier said than done in this town.

I unbuckled Haley and took her hand to walk inside and get our room keys. The receptionist was quick and pleasant.

“Alright, take Haley up to the room and I’ll bring the bags up.”

I piled the two smaller bags on top of my mother’s rolling suitcase and headed back inside and up the elevator. When it opened on our floor, Haley’s giggles were gliding down the hallway.

“Grandma, stop. I’m gonna pee my pants.”

I smiled and entered the room, since she left the door open. “She’s not kidding. It’s happened before. I’d watch out.”

Setting her bag on the floor, I guided Haley to our room, three doors down, holding her hand. When I opened it, she looked like we were at a theme park. She immediately jumped on the bed.

“We have our own beds, daddy. This is going to be so much fun!”

Being back in this town meant we would run into my brother, Michael. We didn’t get along, except for Chase’s sake. I made a quick stop to see him while we were here. He didn’t have anyone else in town besides his father, and even he was in and out of jail.

Haley rested on the bed, flipping on the television. “What are we going to do now?”

“I’m gonna go right down to grandma’s room for a sec. The door is open if you need anything, okay?”

She shook her head and laid it down on the pillow.

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