Page 6 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
I smirk. “It’s only been a couple months.”
“Too long,” she huffs, looping her arm through mine.
I smile at her, the familiar weight of her love comforting, grounding me.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say.
“Yeah. I have so many gifts for the kids -you have no idea.” She bounces a little, grinning.
I chuckle, shaking my head as I guide her toward the car. But as we drive off, my mind drifts back to Whitney.
Years apart, and in a few seconds, she has managed to stir things up in me.
****
As soon as I step through the front door, I hear the rapid patter of little feet against the hardwood floor.
“Daddy’s home!”
“Dadda’s home!”
Mia and Nico come racing toward me, their little faces lighting up with excitement. I barely have time to brace myself before they crash into my legs, hugging me tight.
I laugh, scooping them both up, one in each arm, pressing kisses onto their heads. “Hey, kiddos. Did you miss me?”
“Yes!” They chime in unison.
“We watched TV, and we played, and we ate lunch, and…,” Mia starts listing off their day, her little hands gesturing dramatically.
“…and I beat Mia in the dinosaur race,” Nico adds proudly.
Mia huffs, crossing her arms. “Only because you cheated.”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not times infinity!”
“All right, all right, we’ll settle this later.” I chuckle, setting them back down.
“Welcome home, Mr. Lennox.”
“Thank you Ruth. You can go home now if you want.”
“I definitely will. Bye sir, and bye kids.”
“Say bye to Miss Ruth,” I say to the kids.
“Bye, Miss Ruth.”
“Now, wait one moment,” I say, placing my hands on my hips before lifting them one after the other, “I know when I left home, you guys were lightweight and small. Did you grow while I was gone? You feel bigger.”
“Nooo…,” Mia giggles.
“Yes!” Nico argues, puffing out his chest. “I ate all my carrots today. Miss Ruth said I’m gonna be as big as a goalie one day!”
“Oh yeah?” I ruffle his hair. “Gonna take my spot on the Avalanche, huh?”
