Page 32 of Pucking Daddy

“Lucky guess.”

“I made a dragon castle.” She points dramatically toward the living room. “Out of blocks. And Zara said it had excellent structural integrity.”

A corner of my mouth almost moves.

“Did she.”

“Yep. That means it’s really good.”

“I’m familiar with the term.”

She gasps. “Can I show you?”

“In a minute.”

I shift her slightly and head toward the living room, my gaze flicking briefly toward the kitchen without fully turning my head.

No sign of Zara.

I lower Lily to the couch and sit beside her, one arm stretched along the back. She climbs into my side automatically, all skinny arms and warm weight and complete trust.

“How was school?” I ask.

“Good. I did my reading and I got a sticker and I didn’t even get in trouble for talking.”

“High bar.”

“I know.”

She says it so solemnly I have to look away for a second to hide the smile that threatens.

“You have homework?”

“Already done.”

Lily goes quiet beside me. The shift is subtle—the kind that would be easy to miss if I didn’t know her.

Her fingers start playing with the hem of my sleeve.

“What is it?” I ask.

She doesn’t answer right away.

Then, so quietly I almost don’t hear it, “Mommy was supposed to call today.”

The words land like a blade slipped carefully between ribs.

I don’t let it show.

At least I hope I don’t.

I turn toward her fully. “Yeah?”

She nods, still focused on my sleeve instead of me. “After school.”

I lean forward and lift her onto my lap, settling her sideways so I can see her face.

It breaks my heart to see the disappointment there.