Page 63 of More Than a Helping Hand

“I’m proud of you for not hunting down Dennis.”

“The party isn’t over yet. What did he say?”

Primrose inhales, then clenches her jaw. The raw emotion, which is usually hidden safely behind her walls has me worried.

“Dennis told her that she doesn’t have a dad because she’s annoying and that’s why they don’t like her.” She grabs my hand before I can step away and set the kid straight.

“What is that kid’s problem? Why would he say something so awful to her?”

“I think his parents are going through a divorce. His mom is the one who snapped the picture for you.”

“Oh.” I glance back and see Bailey with her finger in Dennis’s face. “And why did she call me Anderson?”

Primrose brushes my arm as she whispers, “Because he told her that calling you DeeDee doesn’t make you her dad.”

I hate that Bailey is being picked on. But now is not the time to tell Primrose that I’ll gladly be Bailey’s dad. All she had to do is say the word. So instead, I say, “I liked that nickname.”

“I’m sorry.” She rubs her face. “I should go socialize.”

“You mean we shouldn’t stay back here and create reasons for people to gossip.”

“Yes. And if I talk anymore about this, I’ll cry. And now is an inconvenient time for that.”

We leave our hiding spot and walk in separate directions. I was hoping that the secrets wouldn’t last much longer, but after today, I know that’s not going to happen.

But protecting Bailey should be the priority.

I spend most of the party with Parker and his dad, chatting and watching.

When it’s time for cake, everyone gathers on the porch. Primrose lights the candles, then tells Bailey to make a wish.

I know what my wish is, but it isn’t my birthday. She stares at the candles, then grabs her mom’s hand and closes her eyes. Then she hugs her mom and cuts a glance at me.

And I stand there, hoping she extinguishes all those candles in one breath. Whatever her wish, it has excitement dancing in her eyes, and because of that, I want it to come true for her. If I’m part of that wish, even better.

CHAPTER23

PRIMROSE

I’ve come close to canceling the weekend plans several times since the birthday party. But I didn’t, and now we’re an hour away from the coast.

Arms crossed, I stare out the window.

His warm fingers tap my elbow. “Talk to me. And don’t say that you’re fine because we both know something is bothering you.”

“What happened at the party is still needling me. You probably guessed that since I’ve only been chatting with you via text since then.”

“Yes. I had put those pieces together. The biggest surprise is that you didn’t cancel on me.”

I clasp his hand. “You have no idea how close I came. It’s just a lot, and none of this is fair to you.”

He shakes his head, but before he can speak, I tap him and wiggle my finger for him to stop.

“You asked me to talk, so I’m talking. But I didn’t cancel because I didn’t want you to lose money on the booking. And because…” I pause, mustering up the courage to be honest with him.

He squeezes my hand. “Yes?”

“Because I enjoy spending time with you. It scares me to admit it, but I do. Prior to the party, I was thinking that maybe we should ease into making our dating public.”

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