Page 82 of What Remains True
“Mm-hmm.”
“Well, we could probably get you one of those now. You know, for practice.”
She nodded.
“So, Zan, I have something important to tell you.”
Her big blue eyes looked straight into his brown eyes.
“I didn’t know this before, but you’re my little girl. That means I’m your father. Your dad.”
“Mm-hmm. Mommy told me. I already told Shorty.” She placed a finger to her lips. “Does that make him my brother?”
“I guess so.” This little girl absolutely stole his heart at every turn.
He had a lump in his throat so big that he couldn’t hold back the sorrow he felt. He hugged Zan, hoping he could get himself pulled together enough to keep talking.
“Zan, I’m going to try really hard to be a good daddy. I might need your help. Deal?”
“I’ll help you, but you’re a very good daddy. I love you already.”
He almost choked on those words. “Oh gosh, Zan. I love you too. I promise I’ll take very good care of you. You might have to help me. I’ve never had a little girl before.”
“That’s okay. I’ve been one for five years. I know a lot about that.”
“Yes, I believe you’ll probably teach me things I never even knew I needed to know.” He laughed. She made it easy, but this was a serious moment. “I talked to your mom today.”
“You did?”
“She’s still sick, but she wants you to know that she loves you and we’re going to see her when she’s better. Okay?”
Zan’s eyes welled, her brows pulling together. “I miss her.”
“I know you do.” He pulled her into his arms. “We need to give her time to get better, though. Can we do that together?”
“Yes.” She nodded, sniffling back the tears. “Tell her I know how to talk on the phone,” Zan said. “I could tell her to get well.”
“Maybe you could draw her a picture and we’ll send it to her. Would that work?”
“Yes. I’ll draw lots of them for her to decorate her room.”
So much kindness in one tiny little girl. Would I have thought that when I was that age? Doubtful.“That’s very nice.”
Jim knocked on the office door. “We’re closed up. You’re the last one here.”
“Got it. We’re leaving too,” Adam told him, and then he turned to Zan. “So, should we celebrate being daddy and daughter with a treat?”
“Ice cream cones?”
“I think it’s a perfect day for ice cream.” He stood up, and she put her hand in his and they walked to the truck. When he opened the door, she climbed right in and buckled herself in the car seat.
“What’s your favorite flavor?” she asked.
“Cookies ’n’ cream.”
“I want the very same thing.” She sat there grinning, then looked up at him with a serious expression on her face. “You should have two scoops. You’re bigger.”
“Anything you say.”
