Page 55 of I Think He Knows
Allegra is sitting at the counter next to a huge pancake stack, inhaling them like they’re going out of style. She likes hers with Nutella and strawberries, and she’s got chocolate all over the corners of her mouth.
Carter smiles at my daughter softly as he flips the latest round of pancakes. I love that pure look of adoration on his face when he looks at her almost more than if it were directed at me.
There was no love lost between Carter and my ex, Steven, who were both roommatesandenemies during their freshman year of college. So I’m really glad that Carter’s able to look at my daughter, and see and love her for who she is rather than seeing her as the daughter of someone he can’t stand.
Genetically, Allegra may be half Steven, half me, but she’s one hundred percent herself and one hundred percent perfect in my eyes.
Plus, it’s not all bad. She inherited Steven’s natural athleticism over my hopeless lack of coordination. The kiddo can throw a fastball with impressive speed and accuracy. And she’s a beautiful dancer.
I watch from the kitchen doorway as my daughter smiles up at my best friend with a similar look of adoration in her expression. “My friend Keisha got a new unicorn sleeping bag for the campout.”
Carter tilts his head. “Did she now?”
“Uh-huh. She says it’s purple and sparkly, so I’m sure she will have the coolest sleeping bag there. But that’s okay. My sleeping bag is green with leaves on it. What color is your sleeping bag?”
“Um, I don’t think I have one.” Carter scratches the back of his neck. “But I’ll go buy one this week.”
“Okay, good. You’re definitely gonna need one. And a tent, too. But I guess we could use ours. Mom put some duct tape over the leak so Tara and Ella and me could camp out in our backyard last month.”
“‘Course she did.” There’s a smile in Carter’s voice. “And you don’t need to worry about a tent. I have a tent that I think you’ll like.”
He’s such a liar. But a good one, because Allegra nods. “Good. I’ll write on my campout list that the tent will be your job. My jobs so far are marshmallows and flashlights.”
“Those are great jobs.” Carter transfers another few pancakes to the stack, then returns his attention to the stove. “Both are super important. What other jobs can I do?”
“So first, you have to act like you love me and like you’re going to be my new daddy for real.”
“I do love you,” he says immediately. “New daddy or not, that never changes. I’m always here for you, Legs. You’re my number one girl.”
She gives him a little wrinkle-nose smile. “Duh.Iknow all that. I just mean that you have to act like it for our audience.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard.” He swallows a laugh as he turns to look at her, and in the process, catches me lurking in the doorway like a weirdo. His eyes roam over my face and messy hair, then up and down my body, taking in my pajama-clad form. A slow grin creeps over his face. “It lives.”
I poke my tongue out at him and walk towards the food. “I can’t believe how long I slept, but oh my gosh, did I need it. I feel like a new woman.”
“I love to hear that,” Carter says thoughtfully as he scrapes the last of the batter into the pan.
Sitting down at the counter next to my daughter, I drop a kiss on her head. “Morning, princess.”
“Morning, Mommy. Can Carter use your sleeping bag for the campout? You know, because you’re not invited and he is?”
“Nice reminder, thanks for that. And sure.” I reach for a pancake and fork it onto my plate. Slather it in syrup and add a pat of butter on top, which slowly slides off.
“Good. I’m gonna get dressed for field day!” Legs scrambles down from her chair and heads for the stairs.
“Don’t forget to wash your face!” I call after her.
“You working today?” he asks as he sits down on the stool next to me.
“Not ‘til later.” I say through a mouthful of syrup.
He raises a dark brow. “Fancy a morning trip to Target?”
“Who are you and what have you done with Carter Callahan?”
Carter gives me a lopsided smile, and with his one dimple popping, he looks positively boyish. Even though there is not one boyish thing about this man’s incredible physique. “I’m afiancénow, didn’t you hear? Don’t domesticated couples love Target?”
I punch him in the arm for that one, because he knows I love Target with all my heart.