“The fact that you’re willing means a lot to me, kid. Thanks for loving my daughter enough to be willing.” He pauses. “I hope she’ll talk to me. You know, my wife and I would love to get in on more of that grandkid action.”
“We’d love that. I’m sorry we haven’t done more to make that happen. We’re still trying to figure this all out.”
He chuckles. “I can understand that.”
An idea strikes me. “How about you come over Monday night when we get back in town? You and Danielle. The kids would love to see you. Maybe we can figure some things out together.”
He nods slowly. “I’d like that.”
We sit in the quiet for a moment.
“Penn?”
“Yeah?”
His mouth lifts. “You’re a good man.”
The words catch me off guard. I clear my throat and glance around the coffee shop. “Don’t go soft on me now, Coach. I’ve got a reputation to maintain.” But my smile to him is warm, and it’s the most relaxed conversation we’ve ever had.
He chuckles. “I think that reputation might be changing.”
When I get home, I see the kids on the way inside and stop to hug them and chat for a few minutes before I go find Addy. She’s in the kitchen, placing warm cookies on the counter.
“There she is,” I say. “And my favorite cookies too. You’re spoiling us.”
I come up behind her and kiss her neck, and she leans into me.
“How was your day?” I ask.
“Didn’t sit down all day,” she says.
“And you’re not now either. Why not?”
She turns in my arms and puts her hands in my hair. “Too much to do.”
“How about you put your feet up? Don’t do anything else tonight. Let me take care of things around here. Let me take care of you.”
“You’ve had a long day too. You’re probably exhausted.”
I lean in and kiss her. “Let me take care of you,” I repeat.
She smiles. “Has anyone ever told you you’re sweet, Penn Hudson?”
I frown and pretend to be thinking. “Besides my mother? Nope, don’t think so.”
She laughs. “Well, you’re not fooling anyone.”
I lift her and carry her to the couch, placing her carefully there and then putting the blanket over her.
“Hot tea?” I ask.
She blinks and nods slowly. “That sounds nice.”
“With cookies?”
“No, I’ve already had a couple.” She laughs.
“So with two cubes of sugar then. Coming right up.”