Page 36 of Mr. Almost

“Be careful,” I warn Ari as she leans over the edge of the little water pool with sand, starfish, and more.

“Don’t worry, Mommy,” she tells me.

Mason steps up behind me again and wraps an arm around my stomach.

“Yeah, Mommy, don’t worry,” he rasps.

I close my eyes as I lean into him. All day, he’s been casually touching me. Brushing his hand on my lower back, holding my hand, pushing my hair away from my face.

It’s overwhelming and exhilarating.

Mason is doing exactly what he said, he’s giving me a little bit of space but not allowing us to move backward, only forward.

He’s making his intentions known.

“You know Halloween is coming up.”

“It is.”

“Has she picked out a costume yet?”

I shake my head no.

“Would you mind if I pick something out? I have an idea in mind, but I want to surprise you.”

“Sure, as long as she’s okay with it.”

“Thanks.”

We fall silent and watch our daughter play.

“Do you think she’s having fun?” he whispers, pulling me out of my head.

“Oh yeah, one hundred percent,” I say quietly.

I feel his shoulders relax against my back. “Good.”

“Were you really worried?”

“I mean, yeah. This is our first real outing.” He squeezes my hip. “I’ve never planned something for a kid before, and I wanted to make sure she would have a good time.”

I turn in his arms and rest my hands on his chest. “Mason, Ari is the most go-with-the-flow child I’ve ever met. She’s perfectly happy just hanging out at home and coloring or going to the park and swinging. You don’t have to impress her to earn her love. She already loves you for you.”

His eyes move over my shoulder as he watches our daughter.

“You think so?” he rasps.

“I don’t think, I know.” I bite my lip as I gather the courage to say it. “You’re a good dad, Mason. Ari’s lucky to have you.”

His eyes drop down to mine. “You mean that, don’t you?”

I nod. “I do.”

He takes a deep breath as his eyes go back to our girl. I go to step out of his arms, but he holds me tight, not letting me go.

“Just think, if I’m already killing this parenting thing, imagine how good I’ll be in a year or two.”

I roll my eyes. “Just wait until she’s in high school and hates you.”

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