Page 70 of Time for Change

“That would be nice,” she says softly. “Good night, Jack.”

“Night, Sweets. Talk to you soon.”

When I hang up, I slip my phone into my pocket and grab the cup of water. I move up the stairs quietly, mentally running through tomorrow’s schedule. We have a few jobs on the books, but if we play our cards right, we might be able to break for lunch at some point and visit Stevie.

“Why are you smiling?”

Her question stops me in my tracks just after crossing the threshold to her bedroom. “I didn’t realize I was. Here’s some water,” I reply, offering the cup.

“I want juice,” she grumbles, staring at the cup.

“You’ll have water at this time of night, Gi.” I extend my hand and she begrudgingly takes the drink.

“Why won’t you tell me who was on the phone?” she asks, watching me over the cup rim.

“Because that’s my business,” I state, squatting beside her bed and adjusting the covers so she can climb back inside.

“But you always get to know everything about my life,” she counters.

I snort a chuckle. “You’re nine. I’m thirty and Dad.”

“So?”

I take the cup and set it on the nightstand. “Good night, Gianna.”

She lies back, and while I replace the covers, her eyes follow my every move. When she’s snuggled back into bed, she mutters, “Night, Dad. Love you.”

Bending down, I place a kiss on her forehead. “Night, Gi. Love you too.”

Just as I reach the door, she stops me. “Dad?”

“Yes?” I ask, giving her my complete attention.

“Can I get my nose pierced?”

I sigh, closing my eyes for a brief moment. “Good night, Gianna.”

She giggles, snuggling on her side. Her dark, curly hair fans out over her pillow. I take a few extra seconds to watch her before stepping out, leaving her door slightly ajar. Moving across the hall, I peek inside Christian’s room. He’s always been a wild sleeper, so it’s no surprise I find him lying in the middle of the bed, arms and legs sticking out of the comforter, as he quietly sleeps.

Returning to the ground floor, I fold the laundry from the dryer and press the start button on the dishwasher. Even though evenings with my kids are busy, I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I’m grateful Mya and I were able to work out an arrangement that works for both of us. So many fathers are given every other weekend in a custody agreement, and I’ll always be thankful my ex looked at me as a partner in raising our kids. With her work schedule, and mine, the plan we came up with just works.

Caden once asked if I was bothered by the fact I had my kids every weekend. I never get to go out on Friday or Saturday nights without making arrangements with my parents. But the truth is, I’ve never regretted it. I prefer to be there for them onwhatever night they’re with me, even if it’s a Friday or Saturday night.

I think that’s one of the major draws to Stevie. She understands and respects my position, completely fine with spending time together throughout the week. She doesn’t need the big Saturday date night.

I stop in my tracks.

She doesn’t need it, but she does deserve it. The fact Iwantto take her out on a Saturday night is pretty telling. I’ve never found another woman I’d willingly call up my parents and arrange for them to watch both kids on a Saturday night before. Usually, my parents have to force me to give up my time with them.

I make a mental note to check with my mom to see what their schedule is like the next couple of Saturdays. Maybe we can work something out that fits with Stevie’s work schedule too.

As I finish my nightly parent chores and make sure we’re set for the day tomorrow, I can’t help but wonder what Stevie’s doing right now. She mentioned an English assignment, a stark reminder of her age. She’s still in college, and despite earning her degree online, I have to remember that. She needs to make sure her focus remains on the end goal, and that’s getting her diploma. I’m just grateful she’s willing to squeeze in a little time with me between work and school.

She definitely deserves me to make some extra time for her whenever I can too.

***

Just as we’re about to step inside Burgers and Brew for lunch, my phone rings. A quick glance at the screen tells me it’s my ex-wife, and not a customer. We had a pretty busy morning, complete with work on two new homes in thebudding subdivision at the north edge of town. Houses have been popping up left and right in the last year, and we’ve been fortunate to earn most of the electrical work for each one. Thankfully, even though it’s nearing the end of January, the structures are complete, so it’s not like we’re working directly out in the elements.

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