Page 13 of Single Dad Dilemma

“It’s fine,” I tell him. “She’s just excited. I’m sure she has all kinds of fun things to do today, huh?”

She nods but doesn’t pull away.

“Alright. I’ll probably be out here most of the day, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. And if you need to go, don’t worry about it. Just bring her out to me on the way.”

“Sounds good.” I nod. “Come on, Margo. Why don’t you show me all your toys?” I take her hand.

She pulls me to the front door and into the house, up the stairs, down the hall, and to the right where her bedroom is. It’s already pained in pink glitter. There are stick on cartoon characters on the walls, and the biggest bed I’ve ever seen for a child her age.

“What do you want to do first?” I ask.

“Tea party!” She rushes over to the little white table.

I sit on the tiny chair, praying that I don’t crush it with my weight.

“Don’t worry. Daddy sits there all the time. It won’t break,” she says, reading the expression on my face.

I laugh and she gets busy pouring the imaginary tea. The morning passes by quickly since we have a tea party, play Barbies, and give each other makeovers. We pause the playing for lunch where I make her a box of mac and cheese. She eats and crashes out on the couch soon after.

I decide to make Carson something since he hasn’t been in the house all day. I throw together a quick sandwich, slice it inhalf, then add some carrot sticks to the plate. I grab the baby monitor to listen for Margo while I’m in the garage.

I walk out, and he’s hard at work, sanding some wood, even though I’m not exactly sure what for. When he sees me, he shuts off the sander.

“I made you some lunch,” I say, walking deeper into the garage.

“Oh, thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”

I set the plate down on the table. “It was nothing. I made Margo some mac and cheese, and she crashed. Figured you had to be getting hungry since you haven’t been inside all day.”

He sits down on the stool beside the table. “I would’ve been fine, but I appreciate it. Take half?” He holds the plate out.

I wave him off. “I’m fine.”

“I insist.”

I smile. “Okay.” I reach out and take half the sandwich.

He takes a bite. “Mmm, this is good,” he says around his chewing. “Why does this taste so good?”

I look down to see tomato, lettuce, fresh cheese, and meats. “My trick is to mix mayo with spicy mustard, then just a touch of salt and pepper.” I take a bite and chew it slowly.

“I never thought of that. Usually, I’m not big on mayo.” But as fast as he eats the sandwich, I’d say he likes it.

I laugh. “I’m not either, but there isn’t much. Just enough to make the mustard a little fluffier.”

He finishes his half and moves onto the carrot sticks. “Margo really likes you. Thanks for being so kind to her.”

“Of course. She’s so sweet. I’ve always wanted a little girl of my own, so this is a nice substitute.”

“She really needs some attention from a woman. It’s usually just her and me.”

“Where’s her mom? If you don’t mind me asking.”

He takes a deep breath. “Her mother, my wife, passed away when she was two in a car crash.”

I gasp. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s fine. I mean, it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows in a town this small, right?” He gives me a crooked grin, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

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