Page 64 of Billionaire Retreat

“Of course,” I said softly. “I never stopped believing that maybe one day this would happen.”

“I’m glad this is happening.” He swallowed nervously and then said, “Do you think this is a good idea?”

I had to laugh. “I don’t know, Griffin. Let’s just go with it. Take it a day at a time and see how it goes.”

That was my new motto. Dad had been released from the hospital and just like he was taking it one day at a time, I was determined to do the same. No pressure. At least, that’s what I told myself.

I saw Kenny walking towards us. He was holding Sadie’s hand and they were chatting about something. Then they started to skip together and I laughed as they approached.

“Kenny’s really great with her.”

“He’s great with kids. He thought about being a teacher some time ago.”

They came to a stop in front of us, laughing.

“Hi,” Sadie said to Griffin immediately. “I saw you on my mommy’s porch.”

“Yes,” he said softly, staring at her.

“You’re very big,” she said, and I laughed lightly.

“Yeah, he is pretty tall, isn’t he?”

Kenny excused himself, saying, “I’ll give you guys some time to get acquainted. I’ll be at the food court if anyone needs me.”

He quickly made himself scarce and we all watched him walk away as if hoping he would come back to make all of this less awkward.

“Sooo...” Griffin said, rocking back on his heels. “I’m your dad.”

“Ok,” Sadie said, “Mommy says you love me a whole lot. Like this much.” She held her arms out wide.

Griffin smiled, finally starting to relax. “More like this much...” He stretched his arms out wide and Sadie’s eyes lit up.

“Wow! That’s a lot!”

She surprised us both then when she reached for his hand. “Come on, Daddy. Let’s skate.”

“I don’t know how.”

“I’ll teach you. It’s easy.”

They walked away leaving me behind. I didn’t know how I felt. Part of me wanted to cry. Well, all of me wanted to cry. I had to share my little girl and I wasn’t used to it. But the other part of me wanted to cry because she’d taken to him instantly, as if he’d always been a part of her life. The guilt I felt over the years slowly faded. It felt like the huge burden was finally lifted from my shoulders.

I didn’t know how we’d work it out since he lived in L.A. and we lived in Georgia, but for the sake of Sadie, I knew we’d find a way.

* * *

“Alright, Sadie. This is a hard one. Tell me when you’re ready.”

“I’m ready, Daddy!” she said excitedly. They were sitting on my living room floor playing Trivia games that I told Griffin she was way too young to appreciate. Apparently, I’d been wrong.

“Ok, what is the capital of Florida? You have ten seconds to answer...” He started to count down, “10...9...8...”

She put her chin in her hand and looked thoughtful. “Tallapopsie!” she yelled and I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Close, close,” Griffin said. “Tallahassee... but Tallapopsie sounds so much better.”

“Tallapopsie! Tallapopsie!” she sang as she bounced around the house in the tutu skirt Griffin had bought her. It was green with gold around the hem. It was the oddest looking tutu I’d ever seen and she loved it.