Page 68 of The Geography of Happiness

Shit.I stroked her forehead, steering clear of the bandage. “Bradley said you might have a headache for a few days, remember?”

She pulled a face. “Can I have some more Panadol?”

I checked my watch and handed her two capsules and the glass of water. Then I pulled back the bedclothes and lifted the cool pack to check her knee. It looked a little more swollen and the bruising was starting to show, but not as bad as I’d imagined. I touched it lightly and she winced, immediately pulling away.

Damn.I looked up and our eyes met. Neither of us said a word. There was no need. We’d been down this injury route more times than either of us cared to remember. We knew the score. Only time would tell.

I draped the cool pack over her knee and pulled the bedclothes back into place. Then I took the glass from her hands, and together we went through the concussion checklist. She seemed fine.

“Now remember you’re not to get out of bed on your own tonight. We don’t know how that knee will hold up and you’re still a bit woozy. Let’s not make anything worse. Promise me you’ll use your phone.”

Hannah pulled a face but nodded. “I promise.”

“Good.” I fingered the bandage above her eyebrow, but the tape was secure.

She grabbed my hand when I was done and held it against her cheek. “Spencer’s nice. I like him.”

At the mention of Spencer’s name, the memory of his lips on mine rallied in my heart and my throat thickened. “Yeah, I like him too. He’s a good man.”

“Daddy—” Hannah wriggled onto her back. “—can I ask you something?”

There was a curious look in her eyes that made my belly clench. “Ask away.”

She held my gaze. “You and Mum split up over ten years ago.”

I nodded, carefully schooling my expression at her use of the termmum.

“And she remarried when I was eight, right?”

Oh boy.“That’s right.” I held my breath.

“But you never have. You’ve never even had a girlfriend—” She paused, studying me intently. “—or a boyfriend. How come?”

I wasn’t surprised at her nod to inclusivity considering our friendship group, but having it directed at me set my nerves jangling and I chose to leave it alone, too scared my reaction might show my true feelings. “Oh. Well, no, I haven’t. Too busy raising you.”

Hannah narrowed her gaze. “Dad. That’s a cop out.”

I winced. “Maybe, but it’s still true. Our lives have been full-on for a long while now, and I figure there’s plenty of time for meeting someone when you’re off living your best life.”

She thought about that. “I guess, but you know I’ll be fine with you having someone—” She paused. “—whoever you choose, right? I want you to be happy, Dad.”

I smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you, but I think we should get you out of the terrible teenage yearsfirst, yeah?” I ruffled her hair and she giggled, swatting my hand away. “Can I ask why the sudden interest?”

“No reason.” She snuggled down under the duvet.

“Hannah,” I whined, handing her back some of her own medicine. “That’s a cop out.”

She chuckled and closed her eyes. “Night, Dad.”

I grinned and tucked the covers around her. “Night, baby girl.” Then I perched on the edge of the bed and stroked her back until she fell asleep. Fourteen going on twenty, and I loved her with every scrap of my heart.

When Hannah’s breathing slowed into sleep, I made my exit, turning back for one final look before slipping through the door and pulling it shut. In the shadows of the hall, I leaned against the wall and listened to the soft creaking of the old house, wondering where he was.

The distant sound of water answered my question, and my heart jumped into my throat. Spencer was still up. I turned toward the kitchen, then glanced the other way to the guest bedroom I was staying in.

The sensible option.

And another empty bed.

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