Page 7 of Give Me a Reason

She moved closer and placed a hand on my arm. “I want you to be happy too.”

“I am.” I shifted on my feet.

Her brow arched. “Are you?”

“I love Paisley, my job, and my house.” I was proud of everything I’d accomplished. Being a single father wasn’t on my bucket list, but it was the best surprise I’d ever had in my life, and I couldn’t have picked a better woman to co-parent with.

“I want more for you. I want our daughter to see healthy relationships in her life.”

“You want me to bring women around her?” I’d never do something like that.

“Not unless you’re serious about someone. I hope it happens for you, one day.”

“I wouldn’t hold out for that.” I didn’t want a serious relationship. I couldn’t even envision it. I was content coming home and spending my time with Paisley, or at gigs to earn a little extra money.

Naomi sighed. “I’ll let you know as soon as I figure out a date.”

“You know you can schedule it on my weekend. We can always switch.”

“I appreciate it.” And then she hugged me. “You know, you’re nothing like your parents.”

I rocked back on my heels, unable to say anything over the tightening in my throat.

She gave me a sad look that I didn’t want to think too hard about. “Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.”

“Congrats again,” I said as she got into her car and backed out of my driveway.

I turned back inside, determined to put the idea of marriage and relationships out of my head. She was crazy if she thought I’d ever get married. I had everything I’d ever wanted. Paisley was enough for me. Sometimes I thought about what it would be like to have more kids, but then I was sure Chris and Naomi would be doing that soon.

I sat on the couch next to Paisley, and she cuddled into my side. “What are we doing today, baby girl?”

“Watching TV,” she said without blinking.

“We can’t watch TV all day. Maybe there’s something going on in town. A festival or something.”

Paisley lifted her head. “The kids said the fair was in town.”

“You want to go to that?” I asked, pulling out my phone.

“Uh-huh.”

“Then it’s settled.” I looked up the times and parking information. Then I sent a message to Ireland to see if she wanted to join us. She loved to spend her spare time with me and Paisley. She adored her niece.

We watched TV for a little while longer, and then I made her a snack before we left for the festival. It was downtown on Main and Dock Streets. Hay bales were tied to the street posts, and there were stands lining the sidewalks, selling everything from crafts to apple cider.

I was standing in line to buy apple cider when Ireland approached, with Aria trailing behind her. “How’s my favorite girl?”

Paisley squealed and hugged her.

When Ireland pulled back, she said, “This is my friend, Aria.”

“Nice to meet you,” Paisley said politely.

I didn’t praise Paisley for using good manners because I was a little surprised to see Aria here.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“We were just going to get apple cider.”

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