Page 57 of Second Chance Baby
She blinked innocently. “Sounds good. But I thought you had planned…a viewing.”
Oh, I definitely had planned a viewing.
“Can’t we do both?”
“I’d say we should be able to combine them just fine.”
I shifted in my seat. My jeans were suddenly too damn tight—and not from the popcorn.
Couldn’t say I minded burning some more calories with her. But this time, I wouldn’t rush.
Thank God our kid slept like a rock, thanks to my Mom and Dad’s chaotic household. Carrington had been the first grandchild, and I’d taken all the help I could get. She’d also been a champ at sleeping on the many sets I’d worked on. Not to mention being the center of attention with all the staffers.
Nope, this time, we wouldn’t need Barry.
I was almost sure, anyway.
It wasn’t like I’d ever brought anyone home around Carrington before. Every damn part of this was new.
We’d figure it out. I had faith.
Walmart was even busier than Spirit had been, but I got lucky and found a space right in front. Yet again, Carrington shoved her door open the instant I stopped.
“Hey, Care. Wait,” I said sharply.
“C’mon. You’re too slow.”
“And people don’t pay attention in this busy parking lot.”
“I’m not a baby!” She practically stomped her foot.
“Okay, okay.” I slid out of my seat and slammed the door. “Halloween costume shopping ahoy.” I circled around to Bridget’s side to open her door for her.
With an almost shy smile, she murmured her thanks and stepped down. After she shut her door, she tucked her hand in my back jeans pocket like she used to do all the time. Then she pressed her face against the upper part of my arm, makingme cup her head for a minute, just breathing in her honey and vanilla scent and savoring the moment.
I wasn’t a praying guy by nature, but right about now, I felt as if I needed to send up a prayer of thanks. I wasn’t at all sure if I deserved this opportunity, but I was going to do my best to be worthy of both my girls this time around.
“Ugh, you guys are so gross.” Carrington skipped ahead, then she rushed back to dance around us. “Let’s go!”
Knowing I was annoying my daughter, I kissed the top of Bridget’s head. “What kind of costume are you going to get?”
When she looked up, her sky-blue eyes were dancing. “I’m honestly not sure. You could rock a football getup.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Not sure I could at this point. Or if I want to.”
“Just a thought,” she said hurriedly. “Do what works for you.”
“Like those pictures you have, Dad?”
I grinned at Care. “I might have my shoulder pads in the garage somewhere.” Then I turned to Bridget, hip-checking her as we walked through the doors of the big supercenter. “You could dig out your old cheerleader outfit…”
She let loose an unladylike snort. “Right. As if I could get my ass in that size six skirt anymore.”
“So, get one that fits now. You’d look even hotter to me.”
I kept an eye on Carrington as we crossed to the front doors. She sprinted through to the huge candy display. Sighing, I reluctantly released Brig to get a cart. Good thing the Equinox had plenty of room.
I tossed a few big bags of candy into the cart for the trick or treaters. Our daughter already wandered off to the small display of costumes. She spun around with a witch’s hat on, her long hair so like her mother’s fanning out behind her. “Like it?”