Page 71 of Nico
*****
It was a perfect day. Just cold enough for them to enjoy being bundled up. Gracie was so excited at the prospect of learning to ice skate, that she could barely sit still in her car seat. Not eventhe animated princess movie they put on for her could hold her attention.
She kept asking how long before they got to the 'rink'.
And when they got there, she started to pull them into the dome like building so she could get started.
The Sunday afternoon had brought out families with children of varying ages. Taking a seat on the second tier, Nico accepted a steaming cup of coffee and prepared to watch his girls do their thing. Sadie had tried to convince him to take a spin around the rink, but he had told her a very firm no. "I would not like my daughter or anyone else to see me falling flat on my ass. Too embarrassing."
"It's all part of the learning process."
"No thanks."
She had shaken her head and taking Gracie's hand, went off without him.
Now he was relaxed and content to watch the show.
After a few minutes, he realized two things. His wife was not just blowing smoke, she was damn good. And she was so patient with Gracie, it ached his heart.
"They look good out there. Wife and kid?"
Nico tore his eyes from them to look at the man lowering himself into a comfortable chair next to him.
"Yeah."
"You're Nico Coulter." The wrinkled face creased even more as he stuck out a hand. "Pleasure. I knew your grandfather. We used to go fishing back in the days. Name is William Jennison."
"I know you." Nico gripped the hand and was surprised at the firm grasp. "Haven't seen you in ages."
"Been away in Ireland." He nodded towards the rink and pointed out a trio of blonde girls holding hands and doing the rounds. "Grandkids right there. I have the pleasure of escorting them. Parents are too busy doing the social whirl." There was a wistful expression on his craggy face. "It's good to see parents putting in the time. Any reason why you're not out there?"
"I am kinda attached to my limbs." He grinned. "My wife called me a coward, but I prefer to call it being sensible. I never learned to skate and at my age, it's not going to happen."
"She's graceful and beautiful. Looks like a model." William murmured. "You must be very proud."
Nico turned just in time to see Sadie slowly turning a circle with his daughter's hand tucked securely in hers.
"I am indeed." He murmured.
*****
"An ear infection." The pediatrician announced two days later. "At this age, they're prone to them." She smiled at Gracie reassuringly. "We're going to make it all better."
"Was it because we took her to the skating rink?" Sadie was hoping she had not messed up again. She was the one who had suggested they go skating.
"No." The woman shook her head. "It's part of the growing up stage. Some antibiotics and she will sleep it off in no time."
"See? You were worried for nothing."
Sadie only cast him a look before taking the little girl into her arms. "Better?"
Knuckling the tears away, she nodded. "I want a lollipop."
Nico roared with laughter and snatched her into his arms. "You can get two."
"One." Sadie said firmly, rubbing her hand over the tumble of blonde curls. "And some soup. And then a bedtime story." She looked up at the doctor. "Thanks for coming over."
"Of course." She rose.
