Page 114 of Who's Your Daddy
I reach out and greet both her and her husband—who’s about two heads shorter than me and currently wearing a leather jacket and the same dark jeans he had on earlier.
Lola comes around to greet her parents as well and then she motions for Murphy to join her. “And this is Cal’s son, Murphy.”
Murphy holds out his hand like he’s a little adult and I almost have to glance away because the pride in my chest is bursting. He’s so damn impressive this son of mine. I still don’t like that he even knows to act this way, that he’s so grown up at the ripe age of six, but I’ve come to realize that’s just who he is and I’m going to embrace it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he says.
June nudges her husband’s arm as she takes Murphy’s hand. “You hear that, it’s a pleasure to meet us.” She looks at Lola and then turns to me, her smile growing. “Wait, are the two of you dating?”
I’m not sure what Lola will say so I allow her to handle this. When she slips her arm around my waist and settles her head on my chest, I just about die on the spot. “Yes. Why don’t we order dinner and you can tell us about the tour today,” Lola says, reaching forMurphy now. He takes her hand and they return to their spots at the table.
Not a single one of us can take our eyes off them. Her parents and I all seem enamored by that simple moment. “You’re good for her,” June says out the side of her mouth as she continues to watch Lola. I pull out June’s chair and wait for her to sit, then take the spot between Lola and her mother. Murphy is next to Dezi. We’re like her little protectors, keeping Lola sane for the evening. “She’s even wearing her hair down. She looks so relaxed.” She shakes her head and sighs. “We never quite could get her to loosen up but it looks like you were just what she needed.”
Lola is going over the menu with Murphy so she doesn’t hear her mother’s comments but I feel it’s important to address them just the same. “She’s good for me. I think she’s what we all need. A little way to balance all our chaos, no?”
Dezi chuckles as he leans across his wife. “I wouldn’t know, we don’t balance one another at all, we just go where the wind blows us. But you may be right. You do also look happy. Keep our baby girl smiling and relaxed like that and we’ll all be a little more balanced, yeah?”
Lola huffs. “What are you guys talking about over there? Don’t go bartering me for a cow or something, Dad.”
Murphy giggles and I wink at her. “Certainly not, you’re definitely worth more than a cow, Lola. Perhaps a tiger and some fish.”
She rolls her eyes but she’s smiling. And fuck does she look pretty when she does that. Her parents aren’t wrong. I think I am good for Lola. I think the three of us, Murphy, Lola, and I, are good for one another.
Chapter 40
Lola
In what would shock absolutely no one, Cal wooed my parents easily. His patience as they told ghost stories was beyond impressive, and both my mom and my dad were enamored with Murphy.
At the end of the night, my mom swore Murphy reminded her of me when I was his age.
I get it. Though, I’d hope it’s not because at only six, even when surrounded by adults, he seemed like the responsible party. It’s my greatest hope that Murphy will never have to feel that way again. Not with Cal in his corner.
“Can you read to me tonight, Lola?” Murphy asks as he pads out of his bathroom, already dressed in his PJs.
Warmth blossoms in my chest. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I can’t wait to find out more about the flying shoes.”
Murphy’s blue eyes sparkle. “Me too.”
“Flying shoes?” Cal straightens, leaning forward.
“Yeah. If you put them on your feet, you can soar.” Murphy throws his arms out and zooms around the room.
A low chuckle rumbles out of Cal. “That sounds awesome.”
“Yeah,” the little boy shrugs, “but only Hermes’ kid gets to wear them.”
Cal’s eyes narrow. “Is he the god of thieves?”
“Travelers,” I say.
“Both,” Murphy corrects, standing a little taller.
“Come on, then, my little traveler, let’s get in bed.” I drape an arm over his shoulder.
“Wait.” He slips out of my hold and darts for Cal. When he throws his arms around him, Cal’s eyes go wide. “Goodnight. Even if you can’t give me flying shoes, you’re a pretty cool dad.”
Cal squeezes him tight, blinking rapidly.
My throat tightens, and my own tears threaten as I witness this moment between them. It couldn’t have been easy coming into his son’s life the way he did, but Cal is excelling at parenthood in every way.
