Page 28 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
She nods sharply. “Fifteen years.”
Hmm…
“What do you think is the key to managing young children?”
Her eyes sharpen. “Structure. Discipline. No nonsense.”
Mom tilts her head. “What do you mean?”
“I run a tight ship,” the woman states. “No tantrums. No coddling. Children must learn obedience.”
I open my mouth, but she keeps going. “My previous employer didn’t understand that, of course. Thought I was too strict. But children needstructure. I kept mine on a schedule so tight, they didn’t have time to act out.”
I frown. “And how do you handle a child who’s upset?”
“Easy. I remove privileges. No toys. No playtime. No unnecessary affection.”
Mother gasps. “No affection? You do know these arechildren, notprisoners, right?”
She lifts her chin. “Affection creates entitlement.”
I push my chair back. “Okay. We’re done here.”
Her eyes narrow. “Excuse me?”
“This isn’t a military camp.” I gesture to the door. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
She mutters something about soft parenting under her breath before storming out.
Mom folds her arms. “So?”
I drag my hands down my face. “Two promising candidates.”
She smirks. “Progress.”
***That evening***
The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the backyard as I sit on the porch, watching Nico and Mia chase each other across the grass. Their laughter fills the air, carefree and light, and for the first time today, I feel a little bit of the tension ease from my shoulders.
I lean back, stretching my legs out in front of me. Mum and I decided to have the two promising prospects meet the kids next week. Hopefully, the kids warm up to one of them. Speaking of warming up, my mind is instantly transported to the kids with Whitney. About the way Nico and Mia reacted to her.
Honestly, I hadn’t expected it. At least, not the level of interaction they had with her three days ago.
Normally, they are reserved around strangers, especially women they don’t know well. It takes time for them to warm up, for them to trust. But with Whitney… There was no hesitation. No guarded glances or quiet shyness.
Just instant comfort.
And I remember how easy she made them have fun - how she got down to their level, how she spoke to them, and how they responded to her.
Without thinking, I call them over. “Guys, come here for a second.”
They stop running and race toward me, breathless and grinning.
“What’s up, Daddy?” Mia asks, plopping onto my lap.
Nico leans against my leg, still catching his breath.
I clear my throat. “Do you remember, Whitney?”
