Page 23 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
Shaking it off - —attempting to, at least - I head upstairs to my room, pressing a hand to my chest like that’ll somehow slow the sudden hammering of my heart.
I need to get a grip.
Making my way to my room, I pass by Rosa’s room to see her holding up a bright yellow scarf.
I sigh. “Mom says ‘no’ to mismatched outfits.”
Rosa groans. “She has no appreciation for my creative vision.”
I laugh. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t give her an aneurysm. Seriously, you’re a fashionista, dress casually and fashionably.”
Finally, I make my way to the bathroom, run a brush through my hair, and go back to the backyard. Everyone is settling in, greeting one another, catching up like it hasn’t been months since the last family gathering.
Out of habit, I pull out my phone and start capturing little moments - the beautifully set table, the soft glow of the backyard lights, Uncle Ray balancing a plate and a glass of wine like some kind of circus act. Honestly, this whole wedding prep process could make for some great content.
Still, I should probably check with Laura first.
I spot her near the drink station, laughing at something Keith just said. Sliding up beside her, I nudge her lightly with my elbow.
"Hey, bride-to-be, would you be okay if I recorded some of this? Just little moments from the prep meetings? I could put it on my page for my followers, but also, you would have it as a keepsake.”
Laura’s eyes light up. “Oh! Are you sure you want to do that?"
“Uh, yeah,” I say with a laugh, “you do realize you’re asking a content creator if she wants to create content, right?”
She grins. “All right then. Go for it.”
“Awesome.” I say, giving her playful salute, already opening my camera app to capture the settings.
The meeting is in full swing now - suggestions flying, some practical, some completely ridiculous. Sometime during the meeting, Mom calls me aside, her expression is the kind that tells me I’m about to be recruited for something against my will.
“Whitney, sweetheart, can you watch the kids for a bit?”
I blink. “I’m sorry, what?”
She gestures toward the little ones playing near the patio. “Ed’s kids.”
I glance at them, then back at her, arms crossed. “And why am I suddenly the babysitter?”
“Because you’re the youngest,” she says, matter-of-factly. “And you’re great with kids.”
I narrow my eyes. “That sounds suspiciously like flattery to make me agree.”
She sighs, exasperated. “Whitney, just keep an eye on them. It’s only for a little while. Oh, you’re watching Blake’s kids too.”
"Wait, hold on - why do I have to watch his kids too?“
I groan, but she’s already walking away, leaving me standing there, newly crowned as the reluctant babysitter.
I make my way toward the kids, crouching slightly. “Alright, tiny humans, it looks like we’re hanging out.”
My niece and nephew immediately grin, but Blake’s kids stay close together, hesitant. Mia clutches Nico’s hand like a lifeline.
I lean in, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know…, I have a superpower.”
Nico’s eyes widen. “Really??” His little jaw drops. “Daddy has superpowers too!”
I blink, then grin. “Oh yeah? What kind?”
