Page 59 of Worth the Fall

“Can I bring anything?” she asked.

I licked my lips and forced myself to stop picturing her naked and moaning underneath me. It’d been happening all the time lately.

“Just yourself. And that smart mouth of yours.”

“Well, my mouth is attached to the rest of me, so I guess we’ll both be there.”

She gave me a wink before standing up and exiting my office, leaving me alone with thoughts of fucking her playing on a loop in my mind.

Ikept the fact thatBrooklyn was coming over for dinner to myself for the time being. Until she was actually at the door, it wasn’t real. Anything could happen between now and then. Plus, I didn’t want Clarabel getting all excited and then disappointed if something came up and Brooklyn couldn’t make it.

But when the doorbell rang right at six thirty, just like we’d planned, my heart began racing in my chest. I forgot what it was like to want someone. To not only put your heart on the line, but your kid’s as well. It was more than a little jarring.

“Clara, can you go answer the door?”

“Me?” she asked through her excitement.

I was always the one who answered the door, making sure that she was safely behind me.

“Okay. Coming!” she shouted into the air as her little feet echoed as she stomped.

I watched as my daughter threw open the door and started jumping up and down. “Waffle Princess? What are you doing here?” She launched at Brooklyn’s legs and hugged them tight before Brooklyn leaned down to give her a proper hug.

“Your dad invited me,” Brooklyn answered, releasing my daughter before stepping inside and shutting the door behind her.

I noticed her take in the surroundings before focusing her attention back on Clara. I suddenly grew self-conscious, wondering if I had anything up that would be deemed weird or awkward. I’d never even thought about it before. Never really cared about what the walls of my house looked like. But with Brooklyn standing in the entryway, I found myself caring about every little thing.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Clara asked, her little voice filled with enthusiasm.

“I am. Is that okay?”

She gave a little fist pump in the air before shouting, “Yes! Come with me. I have to show you something.”

Clara grabbed Brooklyn’s hand and pulled her into the living room, pointing out the plethora of drawings that were literally scattered everywhere. I hadn’t had the heart to ask her to put them away.

“Look at all these pictures. Are these of me?” Brooklyn asked sweetly.

I appreciated that she’d acted surprised even though I’d warned her earlier.

“Yep! And some of you, me, and Daddy. We’re like a family. See? I missed you so much!” Clara beamed as she threw out words I’d never heard her say out loud before.

My breath caught in my throat.

“We’re like a family.”

“Do you like them?” Clara asked, clearly wanting Brooklyn’s approval.

“I missed you too. And, yes, I love them so much.” Brooklyn sounded as excited as my daughter.

I wondered if my heart could take much more of this interaction without bursting inside my chest.

I wasn’t so sure.

“Wow. It smells really good in here.” Brooklyn closed her eyes as she took in a deep breath.

Before I could say anything, Clara shouted, “It’s a chicken potpie.”

“From the diner?” Brooklyn’s eyes grew wide, but Clara shook her head, giggling.