Page 34 of Ice Darling
I had no idea.
What kind of father am I?
The guidance counselor gestures to Miss Potts, and the two women leave the classroom. It’s just me and Gordie left.
I sink against the wall a couple feet away and watch her. The sun moves in the sky, and outside, children play. Squeals of joy and laughter ring out.
But my daughter and I sit in the silence.
Until, finally, I see her chest even out and her breathing deepen.
She’s asleep.
Moving as gingerly as I can, I inch under the desk and slide one hand under her shoulder. The other, I slide under her knees.
Gordie mumbles in her sleep, and I soothe her, “Sh, sh, pumpkin. It’s okay. Daddy has you.”
She settles back to sleep, and I cradle her close as I take slow steps toward the door. But there, I meet another problem. I’ve got my hands full with Gordie, and I don’t want to jostle her too much in case she wakes up.
I lift my foot, thinking maybe I can wiggle the lock with my dress shoes, but it’s too high up. Looking down at Gordie again, I debate setting her back on the floor so I can get the door when it suddenly swings open.
Chance meets my eyes in the empty hallway.
My eyebrows climb in surprise. He’s still here?
He steps back, and I realize he’s not alone. Gunner and Max are here too.
My throat gets tight as I watch my teammates and team manager step aside so I can walk into the hallway.
I nod at them, inhale a deep breath, and carry my baby to the car.
Chapter Twelve
Brenda: Sasha, I think we may need to abandon our plans for the children.
Sasha: What? Why? I’m already talking to an amazing wedding planner.
Brenda: Viking insisted he’s not interested in dating. I think we may have been wrong about this.
Sasha: Not a chance. I know what I saw. They have a spark, Brenda.
Brenda: I thought I saw something as well, but the kids haven’t spoken to each other since Bob’s Burgers.
Sasha: All we have to do is get them in the same room again.
Sasha: I have a plan.
Sasha: Invite my daughter over to fix your car and make sure your son is at the house at the same time.
Brenda: Maybe now’s not the best time to do this.
Sasha: Why not?
Brenda: There’s a lot going on with Gordie. She needs her dad.
Sasha: Oh no. Is everything okay?
Brenda: Not exactly. But she’ll overcome. I hope. I’m praying every day.
