Page 2 of Second Helpings (Sweet Treats 4)

My dad swallows a huge mouthful, and a blissful expression crosses his face.

“Mmm, Sienna, you’re an amazing cook. Where’d you learn to make this?”

I giggle while sitting down with my own bowl of stew.

“It’s easy. I googled some recipes on-line and found one that blended meaty chunks of beef with tomatoes, carrots, and a bunch of spices. I knew you’d like it,” I say with a smile before digging into my own meal.

Tyler merely takes another big spoonful as we eat in peace. The stew is tasty and hot, and I love being with my dad. He’s made a good life for us and worked hard to give me what I have. I adore my father, and we’re on really good terms even though most girls hate their parents at this age. But Tyler is all I have, and I’m happy with my caring daddy.

In fact, Tyler and I are so close that sometimes we talk about personal things like our dating lives, both his and mine.

I swallow another big gulp of stew and then pat my mouth daintily with a napkin.

“So Daddy, are you going to see Layla after this?”

My dad looks a little startled, but he swallows and then nods.

“Yeah, I was thinking about heading over there. Would that bother you?”

I laugh merrily.

“Of course not, Daddy. Layla is someone we’ve known for years, and I’m glad you guys started dating. She’s really nice and has always been very kind to me.”

After all, Layla is a big sister of sorts. She was three years ahead of me in high school, and she was the popular girl. Layla has gorgeous honey-colored hair, caramel eyes, and a curvy figure to die for. All the girls were jealous of her, and she dated quite a few football players back in the day.

But after graduation, she stayed in our little town doing odd jobs. Then, to everyone’s surprise, she started dating my dad. There were some hushed whispers at first because my dad is forty-five, and Layla was only nineteen at the time. But my dad and Layla’s dad have been friends forever because they’re both truckers, and Jock didn’t see anything wrong with it. As a result, Layla moved into her own apartment and my dad started going over there after dinner most nights. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pops the question given that they’ve been dating for almost two years now.

But I don’t mind because I want Tyler to be happy. He’s a good guy who’s had a tough go of things for the last ten years or so. At first, it was fighting with my mom non-stop because she was so unhappy with her life. Then, there was the divorce, which was frankly a relief after all that conflict. Then, he had to raise me alone as a single dad, and he’s done a good job of it.

But I turned eighteen last week, and I’m more mature than most girls my age. I understand that adults have a need for companionship, and I want my handsome daddy to enjoy himself. Tyler doesn’t need to stay home to babysit me. He should go out and enjoy his time with Layla.

“Are you getting Layla flowers?” I ask with a smile. “I don’t think you’ve seen her in a few weeks, right?”

My dad shakes his head ruefully.

“I didn’t get a chance to pick up a bouquet,” he says. “I was too intent on getting home to you girls as fast as possible.”

I let out another giggle and push my chair back, scraping the floor.

“It’s no problem, Daddy. I got a bouquet for you to give Layla.”

With that, I disappear into our living room for a moment, and come back with a dozen pink roses in my arms. The flowers are wrapped in pretty pink cellophane with a red ribbon around their stems, with delicate sprays of baby’s breath interspersed throughout. It’s romantic and perfect, if I say so myself.

My dad’s eyes go wide.

“Sweetheart, you didn’t have to,” he begins. “You don’t have to take care of me.”

“No, I wanted to, Daddy,” I say with a smile while handing him the bouquet. “But don’t tell Layla that I bought it. Just let her think that you got it for her.”

My dad shakes his head, looking at the flowers in his arms.

“Sienna, what would I do without you?” he muses. “You’re so thoughtful.”

“I know,” I say cheerily while plunking myself back into my chair and taking another bite of stew. “I love Layla anyways. She’s always so friendly when I run into her in town, and her dad is so nice too. Jock Larson works out at the same gym as you, doesn’t he?”

My dad goes quiet all of a suddenly, gently placing the bouquet of flowers on the dining room table.

“He does,” Tyler confirms. “Jock and I have been members of the same gym for ages.”

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