Page 11 of Kent's Honor
“And to protect her.”
“No shit,” Rex said. “But you’re trying to shelter Elle from everything. You can’t keep doing that. She needs to experience some things that will teach her how to get along without you.”
Kent appreciated his friend’s words. He knew they were true, but he didn’t know how to live them. The last ten years of his life had been centered around making sure Elle had a normal life. Or as normal as a single father could give her. Letting go, even a little, pained his heart. “I worked my entire shift and the worst thing I did was have Tilly check on them.”
“Not exactly what you did, but if that helps you sleep at night, you can have it your way,” Rex said. “Just remember you and Elle are never alone in this.”
“Thanks, man.” Kent took his empty soda can and tossed it in the recycle bin. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He headed out the door and toward his Harley. He climbed on and turned the key. The sun had begun its decent behind the horizon, casting a fiery glowin the sky. This was one of his favorite times to ride. He revved the engine and peeled out of the parking lot.
The ride home would take about fifteen minutes and he would enjoy every second. Normally, he would savor this time, using it to clear his thoughts from the day so he could be completely present for his daughter. Only tonight, all he could think about was Dixie. Her son. And had Elle gotten the attention she needed.
Mentally, he groaned.
Rex made some valid points. Elle wasn’t a baby anymore. She was at an age where while Daddy was still her hero, she didn’t always want to be with him. She wanted to do things on her own.
Like walk to the park.
Or help out a neighbor all by herself.
She was pushing boundaries, and he didn’t think she was ready for that kind of responsibility. However, all of his buddies thought differently.
He pulled into his driveway with his thoughts all jumbled. The front door opened and Elle emerged holding Nicky on her hip.
That image sucker punched his good senses.
His little girl looked so grown-up.
“Hey, Daddy.” Elle waved.
He climbed off his Harley and strolled toward the steps. “How was your day?”
Nicky rested his head on Elle’s shoulder, gripping her shirt.
“It was fun,” she said. “Look, Nicky. It’s my dad.” She patted the little boy’s back. She really did have a way with small children.
“Hey, little man.” He reached out to ruffle the kid’s hair, but he turned his head and practically tried to climb over Elle’s shoulder.
Kent recoiled his hand.
“Dixie said he’s kind of shy around men.” Elle readjusted Nicky. “It’s okay. My daddy’s really nice. He doesn’t bite or anything.”
Nicky turned his head. “You came home, just like you promised.” His lower lip quivered as if he might start bawling any minute.
“I try not to make promises I can’t keep,” he said with his heart in his throat. “Where’s Dixie?”
“In the kitchen making dinner.”
Nicky pointed to the motorcycle. “Ride!”
“Let me go make sure it’s okay with your mom first.” He squeezed Elle’s forearm, being careful not to touch Nicky. Whatever his issues were with men, he didn’t want to add to them. “Are you okay out here with him for a few minutes?”
“Dad, really?” Elle glared, rolling her eyes, before sitting on the floor near a set of blocks.
Nicky folded his pudgy little legs, grabbing one. He glanced up. “You come home every day?”
“Sometimes he has to stay over at the fire station or he’s called on a special assignment with the Aegis Network, but most nights he’s home.” Elle lined up a few more blocks in front of Nicky.
Kent closed his eyes for the count of five before blinking them open. His heart broke in a million pieces. “Make sure he doesn’t dart off into the street.”
