Page 27 of Pucking Daddy

“And they might burn your house down.”

“Yes.”

She nods solemnly, like we’ve reached a very important agreement.

“What about your biggest secret?” she asks.

I hesitate for half a second. Because the truth is—I have a pretty big one right now.

Instead, I smile lightly. “I still sleep with a nightlight sometimes.”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”

“Really.”

“That’s not even embarrassing,” she says. “I do that too.”

“See? We’re the same.”

She grins, clearly delighted by that.

We finish our snack, and by the time we head back outside, the afternoon sun is softer, the air cooler.

“Can we go to the park?” Lily asks, slipping her hand into mine.

“Sure.”

The park is only a few minutes away, and Lily runs ahead the second we reach it, heading straight for the climbing structure.

I settle onto a nearby bench, watching as she scrambles up the ladder with complete confidence.

“Watch me!” she calls.

“I’m watching!”

She reaches the top, throws her arms out like she’s just conquered a mountain. “I’m the dragon queen!”

I laugh. “Of course you are.”

She slides down, then runs back over to me, breathless. “Did you see?”

“I did. Very impressive.”

“I’m the best climber in my class.”

“I believe it.”

She plops down next to me, leaning her head briefly against my arm before popping back up again.

“Can you push me on the swings?”

“Absolutely.”

I follow her over, giving her a gentle push as she kicks her legs forward.

And as I stand there, pushing her gently, watching her laugh—

Everything else fades.