Page 6 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
"The door code is 0521," Damon says as we approach. "Ember's birthday. You can change it if you want, but she picked it herself."
"May 21st," I smile. "That's coming up soon, isn't it?"
He looks surprised that I made the connection. "Next week. She'll be seven."
"We should plan something special," I say, then catch myself. "I mean, if that's something you'd like my help with."
"Actually, that would be great." He sets my things down to open the door. "I'm not exactly experienced with birthday parties."
The guest house is even lovelier inside than I remembered from yesterday's quick tour. An open floor plan with a small living area featuring a comfortable-looking couch and armchair, a kitchenette with modern appliances, and a dining nook with a table for two. Down a short hallway are the bedroom and bathroom, both more spacious than I expected.
"The fridge is stocked with basics," Damon says, setting my suitcase in the bedroom. "You're welcome to eat meals with us at the main house, or here if you prefer. Your time off is your own, of course."
"Thank you," I say, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness. "This is perfect."
He glances at his watch. "I need to leave for work in about thirty minutes. Do you want to come up to the house and go over Ember's routine, or would you like some time to settle in first?"
"Let's go over her routine," I say decisively. "I can unpack later."
He nods, seeming pleased with my answer, and we head back to the main house. As we approach, I hear a squeal of excitement and see Ember's face pressed against the kitchen window. She waves frantically when she spots us.
Inside, the house smells like pancakes and coffee. Ember launches herself at me the moment I step through the door, wrapping her arms around my waist.
"Luna! You came!" she exclaims, as if there had been some doubt.
"Of course I did," I laugh, returning her hug. I notice again how unusually warm she is—almost feverishly so—but she looks perfectly healthy with her flushed cheeks and bright eyes.
"I made you a welcome picture," she announces, dragging me by the hand to the kitchen table where a colorful drawing sits. It shows three figures in front of a house. The tall one must be Damon, the small one Ember, and the medium-sized one with brown hair is presumably me.
"It's beautiful, Ember. Thank you." I'm genuinely moved by the gesture, especially since she's already included me in her family picture.
"Look, Daddy, she likes it!" Ember says proudly.
"I see that, princess." Damon's voice is gentle when he speaks to his daughter in a way that contrasts sharply with his intimidating appearance. "Have you finished your breakfast?"
Ember nods, showing her empty plate. "Can I show Luna my room now?"
"Let me talk to Luna about today's schedule first, then you can give her the grand tour."
Damon gestures for me to sit at the kitchen island while he refills his coffee mug. "Coffee?" he offers.
"Yes, please."
As he prepares my cup, he begins outlining Ember's daily routine. "She's homeschooled for now. We moved here mid-year, and I didn't want to disrupt her education further by enrolling her for just the last couple of months. She'll start first grade at Cedar Falls Elementary in the fall."
"Homeschooled?" I repeat, surprised. "That wasn't mentioned in the job listing."
"Is that a problem?" He hands me my coffee, watching my reaction.
"Not at all," I assure him quickly. "I have experience with early childhood education. I just want to make sure I understand what curriculum you're using so I can keep her on track."
He seems to relax slightly. "Her materials are in the study. She's advanced for her age in reading and science but needs extra help with math."
As he continues explaining Ember's schedule: lessons in the morning, lunch, outdoor time in the afternoon weather permitting, then free play and reading, I find myself impressed by how organized he is. Most single fathers I've encountered through my childcare work haven't been this thorough about their children's routines.
"Any food allergies or restrictions I should know about?" I ask.
"No allergies, but she needs protein with every meal. Lots of it. She has a... high metabolism." Something about the way he says this makes me think there's more to it, but he continues before I can ask. "She also runs hot. Higher body temperature than most kids. The doctor says it's normal for her, so don't be alarmed."
