Page 30 of The Lilac River

"Love you, too, Daddy," she said fiercely, squeezing me until her little body trembled with the effort. "Sorry I doubted you."

I shook my head. "It's okay, sweetheart. I doubted myself too."

She patted my chest like she was reassuring me. "You did good."

Setting her down, I ruffled her hair. "Go on. Go plan your outfit for tomorrow."

She pattedmystomach as she went. "And you pick something nice to wear, Daddy. Miss. Gray’s really pretty. Uncle Wilder says your fun sacks will dry up if you don't have a playdate soon."

And then, humming"When You’re In Love,"she skipped out of the kitchen.

I stood there for a moment, blinking, before turning back to the cupcakes.

Maybe coffee first.

I was pouring a cup when the door banged open and Gunner and Wilder stomped in.

"Fuck," Gunner groaned. "That was one long-ass day."

I checked the clock. "It’s five thirty. Hardly the Oregon Trail."

"Says the man who finished at three to…" Gunner peered over my shoulder. "Bake cupcakes?"

Wilder tried to swipe one off the counter, but I swatted his hand away.

"Hands off," I growled. "They're for Get To Know You Day."

“Are they still doing that?” Wider asked with a shudder. “I hated it, seeing as Dad never turned up.”

“Same.” Gunner’s exhale was full of sorrow and memories of empty promises. “He used to send me with packets of shop bought biscuits.”

Gunner dropped into a chair, smirking. "Shit, we're gonna have a lawsuit when you poison a class full of third graders."

"They're not that bad," I muttered, pouring mugs of coffee for all of us.

"And anyway, I was up at five, while you two were still dreaming about beer and boobs."

"I know," Wilder said with a grimace. "Bertie woke me up at six when she jumped on my nuts asking for cereal."

I laughed so hard I nearly spilled coffee.

"Maybe next time," I said, "you’ll remember to lock your door."

We passed around mugs and settled at the table, the easy rhythm of brotherhood falling over us.

Then Gunner dropped the bomb.

"Speaking of nuts, when's the last time you got laid, Nash?"

I nearly choked on my coffee.

"Don't tell me you don’t have time," Wilder added. "Bertie’s asleep by eight most nights. You could sneak out."

I glared at both of them. "I'm fine."

"You’re living like a damn monk."

I shrugged. "Maybe I’ve had my fill."

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