Because of You : A single dad romance

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Come on, buddy, let’s go home.”

  “Wait,” he says forcefully.

  I stop suddenly, confused at his tone.

  “Ms. Ward is over there.” He points across the sidewalk with his free hand. “I wanna say hi. Come on, Dad.” He tugs my arm, and I groan quietly.

  River drags me toward his teacher, and I attempt to school my emotions and seem unaffected by her. Liar, liar.

  Ada is talking to Libby, laughing at something she said. Her gaze lifts and catches mine before we can reach her, and her eyes slightly widen. Libby turns around and slyly smiles when she sees me. She walks away before River and I meet them, leaving Ada standing like a deer in headlights with a forced smile plastered on her face.

  “Ms. Ward!” River releases my hand and rushes toward her, hugging her.

  Surprised by my son’s reaction, I slip my hands in my pockets and stare at them with furrowed brows for a second. Something punches my chest as I watch them.

  “Hey,” she smiles down at River.

  “I saw you and wanted to say hi.”

  “I’m glad you did.” She doesn’t take her eyes off my son, and a part of me hopes it’s because she feels the same way I do and is trying to fight it.

  “Hi,” I finally say.

  “Hi,” Ada looks up at me with a small smile.

  We stand awkwardly for a few seconds before River talks again. “We’re gonna go to Margie’s later. It’s my favorite place here.”

  Ada giggles and bends down to look at him in the eyes. “It’s my favorite, too. She makes the best sweets, right?”

  River nods enthusiastically with a big smile. I can’t help but grin as well. I know I have a right to move on in life, but the idea of committing to another woman that isn’t Tessa is difficult for me to digest at times. With that said, Ada calls to me. She did on the dance floor that night in Nashville, and she does it now, standing in front of a church surrounded by people as she talks to my son about math problems.

  The only problem is that she is still River’s teacher, and that must be frowned upon. I can’t exactly pursue her, and by the look on River’s face, I’d guess he’d be heartbroken if things didn’t work out.

  “I gotta go, but I’ll see you tomorrow in class.” She ruffles River’s hair, causing him to laugh.

  “Bye, Ms. Ward,” he waves with a toothy smile.

  “Bye,” I nod once, warring with my thoughts as we make it back home for lunch.

  River goes on and on about his teacher, how much he likes her, and how nice she is. I am stuck replaying the kiss we shared months ago, thinking about other things when it comes to Ada Ward besides how great of a teacher she is.

  By the time we make it to Margie’s, I’m wound tight and could use a drink instead of a slice of pie. Instead, I sit with River, and we talk about the football game next weekend.

  Springville will provide River a different way of living, and I can’t wait to see him grow in a place that reminds me of the type of upbringing I had.

  When he asks me if Paisley will be at the game with a slight blush, I grin.

  “She might be. I’ll ask Hunter, okay?”

  “Yeah, cool.” He nods, but I have a feeling he’s got his first crush.

  I don’t push him to tell me but smile to myself. He’s growing up fast, and I’m going to miss having him this young once he does. I hold on to each memory we make and try to be the best father for him. I want him to know he can always come to me when he needs advice, a hug, or a ride on Blaze.

  chapter 5

  Ada

  As much as I love football, I am distracted tonight by none other than Sawyer sitting a couple people down from me. He talks to Hunter every so often, and River and Paisley play together. It’s adorable the way they are with each other, and I’m certain Paisley has a crush on River. I get it, girl, I feel the same way about his dad.

  “You’re staring,” Libby giggles next to me.

  I roll my eyes and focus on the game again as our defense tackles a player on the opposing team. High school football games are my favorite. Most of the town comes together to cheer on our team, and it always brings back memories of when I was a teen.

  We all stand and cheer, deafening claps echoing in the night, as one of our players scores a touchdown.

  “That’s how we do it, boys!” Someone a few spots behind me yells.

  “Yeah!” Paisley calls out after the man, causing us all to laugh.

  As soon as halftime begins, the cheerleaders perform their routine on the field, the crowd cheering and whistling.

  Hunter chuckles and says, “Remember when you cheered, babe?” He winks at Mackenzie.

  She laughs and nods. “I loved it.”

  “Mommy, did you have those furry balls?” Paisley climbs on Hunter’s lap and looks at Mackenzie. A smile covers my face as I watch them.

  “They’re called pompoms, and I sure did. I still have my outfit, too,” Mackenzie tells Paisley, who squeals and begs to try it on.

  “Uh, maybe when you’re older, baby girl.” Hunter’s protectiveness makes me chuckle. He kisses the top of her head. “Your Mommy was a cheerleader, and I was a football player.” Hunter winks at Mackenzie, who smiles while shaking her head.

  “So you two were literally the definition of high school couple goals?” Sawyer says, and I can’t help but laugh at his use of couple goals. His eyes catch mine with a gleam as he smiles.

  “We were, and it was worth every moment.” Hunter reaches for Mackenzie’s hand.

  I watch their interaction and hope to one day have what they do. I hope to find someone who loves me unconditionally, faults and all, someone that will be worth the fight. My eyes turn to Sawyer a moment, my breathing coming in slow as I think about the possibilities. Would it even be right to date since I’m his son’s teacher? I never looked into the actual policy in our school since I was never in this position, nor did I think I’d be.

  I look back at the field with a sad smile. The more I see him around town and at events, the more I like him. He’s genuine and a bit timid at times, just like his son. He is also handsome, kind, and amazing with River.

  People take bathroom breaks before the second half of the game begins. I remain seated, chatting with a few people sitting around me on the bleachers.

  “Ms. Ward!” River drops down next to me with a thud. “My dad said we’re gonna have pizza after this. Are you coming, too?” His eyes widen hopefully.

  I smile at him, bumping my shoulder with his. “If you’re going with Hunter and Mackenzie, then yeah.”

  “Awesome,” River practically jumps in his seat. “Hey, Dad, can we sit next to Ms. Ward for a bit?”

  “If she doesn’t mind.” Sawyer looks at me, hands in his pockets, and his short wavy hair is mussed.

  “Not at all,” I smile from him to River, who beams.

  River shares what he knows about football, asking his dad questions about what he isn’t sure about. Sawyer and I chuckle at River’s comments, looking at one another over his head. It is like we’re secretly engaging in a silent conversation.

  Eventually, River heads down the bleachers when Paisley calls for him, leaving Sawyer next to me. His warmth vibrates off him, and I want to lean into his side and soak it up under the chilly night.

  Sawyer’s leg brushes against mine. I tense and glance at him out of the corner of my eye. He’s watching me, his broad shoulders tight. I take in my lip between my teeth and relax. Sawyer smiles as if we just shared a secret. It’s silly to be so awkward around each other. We’re two adults, and a kiss isn’t going to make things weird.

  “Are you having fun?” I ask, taking a deep breath and hoping to smooth things over after our awkward encounters.

  “Yeah, this reminds me a lot of my hometown,” his easy smile lights up his eyes.

  “Really?” I furrow my eyebrows. “Aren’t you from Nashville?”

  “Nope. I’m actually from a small town not far from Nashville. After college,
I was placed in Nashville for my residency and stayed. Until now,” he shrugs.

  “That’s cool.” I’m curious about him, and I want to get to know him better.

  “River loved going to my hometown, too. We’d go visit my parents on weekends when I wasn’t working, ride my horse. I love he can have that experience of both the city and town.”

  “I bet. I don’t know if I could live in a city. I love them in small doses, but I’m a small-town girl.” Those mesmerizing jade eyes burn into mine.

  “Nashville isn’t terrible. It’s not like LA or New York. I get it, though, there’s something about living in a town where everyone knows your name and is always willing to lend a helping hand.”

  “Or knows your business,” I joke.

  Sawyer laughs, nodding in agreement. “That, too. You can’t have it all, right?”

  “Yeah.” I observe him for a quiet moment, taking in the man before me.

  I get the itch to run my hand through his wavy hair, feel his lips against mine again. I shiver, and Sawyer’s eyebrows lift as if he could read my mind. My cheeks heat, and I look at the field to catch up on the game.

  After the game, we all head to eat pizza, and I’m a ball of confusion. Each time I lock eyes with Sawyer, it’s like our chemistry increases. I’m drawn to him, and he’s not subtle about looking my way.

  …

  My skin pebbles as an uncomfortable shiver runs down my spine. My eyes water and my nose tickles with the warning sign of a sneeze. I feel so sick. I curl into myself in the seat of my car instead of getting down. My eyes flutter closed for a few beats as I try to warm up with the heater in my car.

  Voices outside my car jolt me, and I sit up to look at who’s there. I see Mrs. Moore walking with her daughter. Then, I catch a set of eyes I was hoping to avoid.

  Sawyer’s eyebrows pull together when he notices me and walks toward my car. I sit up, turning off the engine, and open the car door. He’s standing on the other side before I can even step out. When I left work early to come to the doctor’s office, I was hoping to see Dr. Foster, who’s been my doctor my whole life, not the handsome single dad I’ve been fantasizing about.

  “Ada?” He places his hands in his pockets and assesses me with a concerned look. His hair is combed, his waves neat, and his button-down shirt and pants are pressed. He fits the doctor’s role perfectly, though I like his more casual look I got at the game this past Friday.

  “That’s me,” I attempt a smile, but I sneeze instead. “Excuse me.”

  “Bless you. What’s going on?” Sawyer steps closer and squats a bit to look at my eyes.

  “I think I’m sick.” I sniffle.

  “Come inside.” He leads me to the office door, opening it for me. The town’s clinic is a cute house that I almost wish were a home I could purchase. It has white siding and a small porch with a colorful flowerbed.

  I walk in and look around as if seeing the place for the first time. I know this office like the back of my hand, but it feels different with Sawyer here.

  “Is Dr. Foster here? I was hoping to see him.” I turn to look at Sawyer, pressing my lips together.

  “He’s out today. I’m seeing his patients that have emergencies.” Sawyer moves further into the waiting room.

  “Oh. When will he be back? I can come back.” I shift uncomfortably.

  “I’ve got some time. Come in.” Sawyer holds the door to one of the two examination rooms. “What’s wrong?”

  I sit on the examination table and wave a hand across my face. “Do the red eyes, watery nose, and chills give me away?” I try to crack a joke, but Sawyer looks at me with concern. Okay, he’s in doctor mode. Noted.

  “I haven’t been feeling well since yesterday. My throat feels like I’m swallowing knives. It’s either a cold or the flu, I’m hoping for a cold that can fix itself with cold medicine, but I’ve been running a fever most of the night and this morning.” I lean over for a tissue on the table and wipe my nose before I embarrass myself by dripping all over myself.

  “Let me take a look.” Sawyer gets to work, taking my vitals, my temperature, and checking my throat. Not exactly how I envisioned our next meeting would go.

  “Do you have body aches?” he asks as he steps back.

  “Yeah.” My eyes water again, and I feel like curling into a ball and falling asleep in this exact spot.

  “You have the flu. I’m going to prescribe medication and want you to get rest. Drink lots of fluids, hot tea with honey will help.” He scribbles something on a prescription pad.

  “When can I go back to work?”

  Sawyer looks up at me with a small smile. “I know you have an important job, but you need to take care of yourself first, especially when students are also susceptible to getting the flu. See how you feel in three days. If you haven’t had a fever in twenty-four hours, you can return. If not, wait until your fever ceases completely.”

  “Okay.” I nod, wishing I could teleport myself to my bed with the snap of my fingers.

  “Here you go.” He hands me the paper with my prescription. I shiver when our fingers brush lightly.

  Sawyer’s eyes stare into mine, and the tension crackles between us. His fingers brush away stray hairs from my face and puts them behind my ear. Unblinking, I hold my breath as I watch him. When his hand cradles my cheek, my eyes close. I inhale his spicy cologne and lean into his touch.

  “Ada,” my name is a whisper, and his breath tickles my face.

  I look up at him, wanting nothing more than to lean forward and press my lips against his. I want nothing more than to remember the fire that burns through my veins when he kissed me all those months ago.

  I’ve never been reckless, but I would be just to feel his lips again. I’d be lying to myself if I said all I needed was one time. I already had one kiss from this man, and I was buzzed from the alcohol. Right now, I’m sober as ever, and I know that my hazy memory of his kiss would be obliterated if he kissed me in this moment. Replaced with something so much better.

  All of a sudden, I sneeze, breaking the moment, and covering my face with my hand in an attempt not to sneeze all over him. Sawyer snaps out of it and steps back.

  “Sorry.” He gulps.

  “I’m sorry.” I blush furiously, heat burning my chest and cheeks. Sawyer hands me the tissue box, and I gratefully grab a few, blowing my nose. I guess kissing him while I have the flu isn’t the kind of reckless I want to be. We don’t need our town doctor getting sick and risking his son catching the flu.

  “Make sure you grab that medicine and start taking it as soon as possible.” He’s back to doctor mode.

  I nod and walk into the bathroom to wash my hands before meeting him in the waiting room.

  “Feel better.” His fingers squeeze around mine, and I look up at him from my lashes.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. My heart is pounding. I wish I could be more to him. I wish I could openly admit my feelings.

  Instead, I climb in my car and catch him by the open door, looking at me as he runs a hand through his hair, ruffling the once perfectly tamed waves.

  chapter 6

  Ada

  I feel like if my body’s been beaten and my head is pounding. I kick the sheets off my sweating body and flip around on the bed, regretting it instantly. Groaning, I lie still and close my eyes, praying I stop feeling so miserable. The medicine I took early this morning must’ve worn off already.

  My phone buzzes on my bedside table, and I try to ignore it. I don’t have the energy to grab it. I don’t have the energy to grab water to help with this sore throat, let alone read a text message. After my doctor’s appointment yesterday, I told everyone I was out for the count for the next few days. I guess that wouldn’t stop my mom or even Libby from checking in on me.

  I finally stand and reach for the water, taking a slow drink and wincing at the stabbing pain in my throat. Checking the time on my phone, I stare at the screen in confusion when I have a message from an unfamiliar number
.

  First, I take the next dose of medicine, hoping it kicks in fast. Then, I drag my body back to bed. I swipe the screen on my phone and look at it with one eye open. My breath catches when I read it, realizing it’s from Sawyer asking how I’m feeling.

  I save his number on my phone, butterflies flapping wildly in my belly, and respond.

  Ada: I’m ok… the med helps, thanks.

  I pause, debating my next question and decide to go for it. Curiosity gets the best of me.

  Ada: How’d you get my number?

  Sawyer: I got it from your contact info at the clinic. I don’t usually abuse that, but I wanted to check in. I’m glad the medicine is helping. Drink lots of fluids.

  Ada: Thanks…and I’m glad you did.

  I hug the phone and smile wide. That was really sweet of Sawyer, and I hope it’s because he feels this connection between us. I doubt he sends messages to his other patients to make sure they’re okay. Actually, I’m technically not even his patient.

  My eyes begin to shut again as sleep takes over. I bring the sheets over my body, the cold sinking into my bones once again. I’m over this flu.

  The next time I wake up, I’m feeling good enough to take a shower. My phone notifies me of another message from Sawyer as soon as I get up, distracting me from my plan to take a bath. My face splits into a smile as I read it.

  Sawyer: If you need anything let me know. River misses you at school

  Ada: I miss him as well. Thanks for checking in.

  Sawyer: Of course

  My smile is permanent the rest of the day despite how sick I feel. Knowing Sawyer was thinking about me enough to write to me gave me all kinds of feels. After a shower, I warm up the leftover soup I bought yesterday, and then lie on the couch. I need a change in scenery from my bedroom, or I’ll lose my mind.

  Turning on the television, I drop the volume a bit and watch reruns of New Girl. My mind runs a continuous loop with thoughts of Sawyer, our almost kiss yesterday, and the real one we shared in Nashville. From the little I know about him, he checks off most of the items on my list. Just one startling item flashes like a neon sign, but the school year won’t last forever, and in…eight months River won’t be my student anymore. Eight whole months I’d have to harbor these feelings and fight my attraction. I don’t know if I’m that strong.