Page 51 of Quintessentially

Next door is a small playground near our library.

After our ice cream is done, Dax and I walk Molly to the playground and find another bench where we can watch her. She runs off with a smile as she sees Amber, a friend from school.

“You’ve done an amazing job,” Dax says. “She’s perfect.”

I shake my head. “I think she is, but she isn’t perfect.” I smile at him. “She’s amazing. Each day I feel like she’s growing and comprehending so much more.”

He scoots closer and lifts my hand. “I’m sorry you had to take care of her alone.”

I contemplate retrieving my hand, but I don’t. “I haven’t done it alone. My parents are wonderful. Ruth was fantastic. Chloe and Mick are great.” I grin. “And so is Justin.”

Dax releases my hand and rubs his jaw. “Yeah, so your brother punched me this morning.”

My eyes grow wide, and my fingertips go to my lips. “He didn’t.”

Dax nods with a grin. “I deserve it. If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure Mick and Ricky could have kept it to one punch.”

I reach for his chin and turn his face toward me. “Are you hurt? I’m sorry.”

His smile grows. “I’m fine. I’m glad you care.”

My gaze goes out to the playground where Molly and her friend are climbing a slide. “I’ve always cared.”

This time, it’s Dax who reaches for my chin, bringing my gaze back to his. “You’re more beautiful than I remember.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not as handsome.” I laugh. “You’re more, too.”

“Justin has made his feelings about me clear. Should I expect the same from your parents?”

I shake my head. “No. There was a time, but I’ve been completely honest with them from the beginning when I found out” —I look out at Molly— “that she was coming. They know that I never contacted you. That’s on me. They also want me to be happy.”

“I want that too. I hate that I’m the cause of you being unhappy.”

“I’m really not, Dax. Molly is…” I take a deep breath. “She is a light, and as sad as I was that you weren’t here, having her with me makes me happy.”

“Tell me when, and I can go out to the farm. Your dad deserves his chance at me too.”

I laugh. “Dad won’t punch you.”

“Speaking of parents, I called mine before coming here tonight and made an offer on Grandma Ruth’s house.”

My heart skips a beat. “You did what?”

“I meant what I said: I want to be a part of Molly’s life. I can’t expect you two to drive to Chicago every weekend.”

“You want to live here?”

“I want to be here. The living thing is still up in the air. For now, I’ll keep my apartment in Chicago.” His golden orbs shimmer. “Maybe you could visit, and we could have a grown-up weekend in the city.”

He’s doing it, making me feel the way I felt when we were younger. Turning away from him, I find Molly. She and Amber are running in circles. “Molly will be nice and tired tonight.”

Dax’s focus goes to the girls. “Is that Cory and Judy’s daughter?”

“How do you know that?”

“I met her after the softball game. The one where you disappeared. That’s how I knew your SUV. I saw Justin talking to you before you drove away.”

Exhaling, I sigh. “He was mad I was there.”

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