Then I Met You: A single dad romance (Love in Everton Book 6)

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Pizza for dinner?” I suggest. “Or are you still doing your cleanse?” I mock with an arched eyebrow.

  “After the French toast and mimosa binge? What do you think?” She mimics my lifted brow and stares at me.

  “I’m not even sorry about it.” I shake my head and finish my beer.

  “Howdy’s is the best pizza in town.” I stand and place my bottle in the recycling bin connected to my garbage can.

  “A pizza place named after a cowboy greeting. I sure am in the Wild, Wild West now.”

  “Because the South is so much fancier,” I throw back.

  “Excuse me, I’m from a city.” She bats her eyelashes.

  I chuckle and shake my head. When I first moved to Nashville and met Kelsey, she good-naturedly mocked my thick southern accent.

  My phone pings on the coffee table, interrupting our banter.

  “Is that lover boy?” Kelsey smirks.

  I pick up my phone and smile, nodding.

  Gavin: Hope you’re having fun with Kelsey

  Sutton: Thanks I am. We’re catching up and talking about you

  Gavin: Are you kissing and telling?

  Sutton: I’d never…

  “He said he hoped I was having fun with you.” Gavin has little things like this that make me fall for him more each day. Even when we can’t see each other on some days, we talk often.

  “By the look on your face, you’re totally smitten with him.”

  “I totally am.” I clutch the pillow next to me and hug it to my chest, burying my face in it and concealing my squee.

  Kelsey moves it away from me and looks at me. “I’m happy for you, Sutton.”

  I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. “Thanks. Ready for pizza?”

  “Heck, yeah.”

  …

  “You were right, that pizza was freakin’ delicious. Do you think I can get a Howdy’s in Nashville?” Kelsey and I walk down the sidewalk. I point out a few shops I love and promise to bring her tomorrow when they’re open.

  “I thought it was too Wild West for you,” I mock.

  “Shush.” She shoves my shoulder. “I take it all back so long as I can eat there again before I leave on Thursday.”

  “Why did you only come for three days?” I scrunch my eyebrows. Kelsey loops her arm in mine and sways. The light breeze cools me.

  “Because I have a job.”

  “What is one more day? Going back from vacation on a Friday seems pointless.” I cock my head, pointing out the obvious.

  “Because…” she draws out. “I have a meeting on Friday that I cannot miss.”

  Kelsey works for The Fine Art Museum in Nashville, organizing expositions, events, and working directly with artists.

  “Who are you meeting with?” Curiosity gets the best of me, and I can’t help but ask her.

  “Not a word.” She lifts a finger at me as we stop walking.

  I run my pinched fingers across my lips as if I had a zipper over them.

  “Mikayla Hunt. We’re working with her to showcase her newest art collection and spotlight her as a local artist.”

  “Shut the front door! Will Tyler be there? What am I saying? Of course, he will. Gah!” I throw my head back. “You know how much I love his music.”

  Kelsey giggles. “I know, that’s why I’ve been dying to tell you.”

  Tyler Hunt is the country-rock singer. His music is known worldwide, and I’ve been a fan of his for years. We have yet to cross paths, but I hope to one day meet him. He had a rough go for a few years, but he turned his life around, and his music has been even better because of it. His wife is a talented artist. I’m confident her exposition will be a huge success.

  As we continue to walk, I hear, “Famous Singer!” called out from behind me.

  With a huge grin, I turn around to see Penny waving wildly a few feet away.

  “Is that…” Kelsey trails off. I glance her way and see her wide eyes.

  “Yup.” I pop the P and laugh. “I guess you’re meeting him tonight.”

  “God, I’m so excited,” she squeals quietly. I laugh loudly and meet Penny and Gavin halfway.

  “Hey.” I bend down. “What are you doing out past your bedtime?” During the week, she’s usually in bed by eight.

  “We had to get something for school I forgot about.” Her nose scrunches as guilt laces her words. I’ve got a feeling there was a discussion about this at home by the look on her face. “Is that your friend?” She points at Kelsey. Smooth subject change, Penny, I think to myself.

  “Penny, we don’t point at people,” Gavin’s deep voice reminds her. “Sorry. I’m Gavin.” He shakes Kelsey’s hand. She introduces herself without my help.

  “No need to apologize. I like to point, too,” Kelsey winks at Penny. “You,” she points at her as she squats, “must be Penny. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Penny giggles and nods. “I am! Hi,” she says, shyly, looking up at her dad. “Sutton said you were coming on vacation.”

  “I am. It was time I visited Everton.” Kelsey smiles at Penny.

  I smile at Gavin, who winks at me while Penny asks Kelsey something about the plane ride. I want to stand in front of him and kiss him.

  Tomorrow.

  “I need to get her to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Gavin says low enough, so Penny doesn’t hear and ask questions.

  “Yeah,” I nod.

  We say goodbye and wish Penny sweet dreams before continuing our walk.

  “He is hot.” Kelsey fans herself.

  I giggle and wave off her ridiculousness.

  “And Penny is adorable. She looks like him. Did you see her pink cowboy boots? I want some.” I laugh at Kelsey’s comment as I guide us back to my car. She keeps talking about her quick observation of Gavin. He seems nice. He’s tall. He disciplines his daughter.

  …

  Gavin

  “Daddy, is Sutton your girlfriend?” Penny’s question cuts through my mind.

  I cough as I look at her through the rearview mirror on the way back home. “Why do you say that?” I haven’t spoken to her about Sutton and me dating yet, wanting to wait. I’ll admit part of me fears that once I tell Penny, things with Sutton will go downhill. Not the right way to think, but my mind immediately goes down that road.

  “Because she came with us to have cupcakes on Saturday. We never have anyone go with us.”

  I pull my truck over on the side of the road and move to the back seat. I turn on the light in the back of the cab and look at Penny.

  Grabbing her hands, I smile. “Sutton and I have been spending time together,” I explain, taking a deep breath. “I guess she is my girlfriend.” Sutton and I have spoken about being exclusive.

  “Aren’t you supposed to know, Daddy?” Penny giggles, and I sigh a breath of relief. If she’s laughing, she is taking this better than I thought.

  “Are you okay with this? You’re always going to be the most important person in my life.” I squeeze her hands. “You’re my little girl.”

  “I know.” Penny smiles and leans forward to hug me. “I like Sutton. She’s nice.”

  “I do, too.” I lean back to assess Penny’s expression. My shoulders release the tension weighing me down as I see her looking pleased.

  “We’ll still have time that’s just the two of us, and other times Sutton will be with us. If at any point you want to ask me a question or feel bad, talk to me.” She may be five, but she’s got wits.

  “Okay.” She looks around the truck before turning her eyes on me again. “Are you gonna get married like the other moms and dads are?”

  My eyebrows pull together. We’ve never talked about this before. “I don’t know yet. Sutton and I are still getting to know each other. It takes time for people to decide if they want to get married.”

  “Were you married before? Jimmy said I’m a bastid.”

  “A what?” I narrow my eyes until it dawns on me. “Bastard?” I ask, my veins pumping with an
ger.

  “Yeah, that.”

  “When did you talk to Jimmy?” He is an older boy, about eight or nine years old. Why the hell was my daughter talking to him about this, and no one was around to supervise?

  “At school during recess. His class was in PE in the playground. What does that mean? Helen said it means that I don’t have parents, but I do.” Her lips press into a straight line, and her brows dip on her forehead.

  I stare at her, feeling helpless. I knew at some point we’d have to have this conversation but not because some punk at school called her a fucking bastard. Tomorrow, I’m demanding to speak with the principal.

  Today, I need to ease my daughter’s mind. I opt to explain the best I can without damaging her emotional health and pray for the best.

  “You’re not a bastard,” I shake my head. “I’m your dad, and not everyone has the same type of family. You’re lucky to live with me, Grandma, and Grandpa. You’ve got a big family that loves you more than anything in this world.” I hold her to my chest, hugging her tightly as my chest constricts with pain.

  “I love you, too.” Her voice sounds softer now.

  If Jimmy weren’t a kid, I’d beat his ass until he couldn’t walk for telling my daughter she’s a bastard. This conversation took an unexpected turn, and I hope that Penny is okay with this explanation. I don’t need her feeling like she isn’t good enough to have her mom in her life. It’s not easy to explain what Hadley did, especially to a child. If I’m a grown-ass adult and still struggling with her leaving, I can’t imagine what it would do to Penny’s confidence.

  “If Sutton and you get married, then I’ll have a mom.” Penny catches me off guard.

  “Yeah, baby.” I hug her again and kiss the side of her head, running an arm up and down her back.

  Sutton. Could Sutton fill those shoes? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately.

  “Are you okay?” I stare into her eyes, the same color as mine.

  “Yeah.” A small smile appears on her face.

  “Let’s go home and get to sleep.” I kiss her forehead and buckle her back in before making my way back to the truck.

  I dodged her questions as much as possible, but I know one day when she’s older, she’ll ask again. The last thing I want is for Penny to think she isn’t capable of being loved, or to have abandonment issues because of what she experienced as a baby. Anger towards Hadley’s selfishness builds. She was reckless when she left the way she did, not thinking about the consequences of her actions.

  I’ve done everything in my power to make sure Penny knows what unconditional love is. My family adores her. She knows what love feels like, but one comment and that security could come tumbling down.

  I won’t let that happen. I’ll make sure that when the time comes, she hears the true story from me. I’ll make sure to hug her and reassure her that despite her mom leaving, she’s been as loved as any child with two parents. And, if God allows it, she’ll have a mother figure one day.

  I don’t know if Sutton is ready for all that comes with dating me, but I trust she’s taken it into consideration. She’s a smart and grounded woman that knows dating a single father may come with a different type of responsibility than dating a man who is completely unattached.

  Penny and I are a package deal.

  After putting Penny to bed, I drop on the couch and drop my head in my hands.

  “What’s wrong?” My mom’s worried voice fills the living room.

  I look up at her. Water fills my eyes—frustration, anger, and sadness. She sits next to me and holds one of my hands with both of hers. In this moment, I feel like a small child again.

  I see the anger build in my mom’s green eyes as I tell her about my conversation with Penny. I assure her I’ll be speaking with administration first thing in the morning.

  “What worries me most is if I handled her questions correctly. I don’t want her to automatically think Sutton will be her mom because she won’t. I also don’t want to tell her Hadley abandoned us. I want to protect Penny, not cause her pain.”

  I run a trembling hand down my face.

  “You did what was best for her at this moment.” My mom pats my knee.

  I nod, hoping to God that she’s right.

  “Gavin, I’ve never met a father that outlives himself for his child. Not even your own dad. Yes, he’s a great father, but you take this role so seriously. You’ve had to, playing two parts in parenthood. Penny is going to be all right. She knows you’ll always be there for her.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I kiss her cheek and expel a heavy sigh.

  “You’ll always be my boy.” She smiles and stands. “As for Sutton, allow life to lead you where you’re both meant to be. I have a feeling things will work out just fine.” She winks and leaves me alone in the living room with my thoughts.

  Sutton

  Between my out of town show last weekend and Gavin’s responsibilities, we have spent as much time together these last couple of weeks as our busy lives have allowed. Now that Penny knows Gavin and I are dating, he feels better about going out during the week.

  The more time I spend with him, the more I want him in my life. I crave to see him, miss him when I’m away, and get giddy every time we kiss. I’ve never dated a man who is a father, and it’s been a learning curve since we can’t be spontaneous. However, with my career, it’s not as if I can pack a bag and go on a weekend trip without planning it.

  Penny’s giggles in the distance break up my wandering thoughts. After lunch, we came to the park. The weather is actually decent, or I’ve gotten accustomed to Wyoming’s crazy temperatures, but we can finally be comfortable outdoors.

  I smile as I watch her jump off the swing and land on her feet with ease. Gavin looks my way and winks before he listens to something Penny says. Heat fills my veins. Gavin has proven to me that despite his reserved character, he’s got a heart of gold. He’s also becoming well-versed with my lips and body. We’re taking things slow, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had our own kind of fun when we’re alone.

  Suddenly, Penny taps him and runs away. I laugh to myself as I watch them play tag. Gavin pretends to go one way when Penny goes another, and she laughs maniacally.

  “Try and get me,” she taunts him, bouncing on her feet. Gavin’s smile fills his face. He jogs over to Penny and reaches for her. She squeals when he catches her and lifts her over his head.

  “Sutton, play with us,” Penny yells as Gavin places her back on her feet.

  “What happened to Famous Singer?” I pout. She’s been calling me by my name more often, and I kind of liked that she had a nickname for me.

  Penny wipes the wild strands of hair from her face. “I can still call you that,” she smiles, displaying the gap between her two bottom teeth where she lost her first tooth.

  “Are we playing tag?” I ask with my hands on my hips.

  “Yup.” She slaps Gavin’s hip and yells, “Daddy’s it,” as she runs away from him as fast as possible.

  I guffaw as I run away from him too, taunting him. I hop from leg to leg, waiting to see if he’s going to go after Penny or me. Penny laughs and runs behind me, grabbing the back of my shirt.

  “Am I protecting you from him?” I ask while keeping my eyes on Gavin.

  “Yes!”

  When he begins to run toward us, I grab Penny’s hand and dash away from Gavin. We run around the swing set, and Penny climbs the ladder to the slide, using the height to her advantage. Gavin can reach her, but it’s adorable to watch as she holds herself up there in hopes that it will protect her from being tagged.

  I widen my eyes when Gavin stalks toward me and fend for myself. I eye the dome climber but opt not to attempt to climb it hastily and risk a banged-up knee. Instead, I slip under the dome, knowing Gavin’s tall frame won’t be able to slide under it as gracefully.

  When he turns to look at Penny, I sneak out from the other side and make a run for it. Gavin’s heavy steps echo behind me. M
y laughter slows me down, and he loops an arm around my waist and lifts me off the ground. My back crashes against his chest, and my laughter grows into uncontrollable cackles and snorts.

  “Penny, help me,” I call for her. She comes running and reaches for my extended hand, trying to pull me away from her dad.

  Gavin’s breath fans against my neck as he whispers, “You’re it.” I shiver and stop fighting against him. My body reacts to his closeness. I take a deep, calming breath.

  “Okay, okay.” When my feet land on the ground, Gavin moves his arm from around my waist and brushes my hand with a squeeze of my fingers. I look at him over my shoulder with a small smile and wink.

  “You better run,” I threaten and break up the tension building between us. We don’t kiss or show too much affection in front of Penny. We’re keeping our relationship G-rated when she’s around, but right now, I want to kiss the smug look off his face.

  I chase the two of them around the playground. Like father, like daughter, they both taunt and tease me.

  “Nana, nana, boo-boo.” Penny rolls her thumbs against her face and moves her hands back and forth.

  I narrow my eyes at her, and she giggles as her eyes widen, running away from me. Gavin passes right by me, tapping my shoulder. By the time I see him, he’s already on the other side of the playground.

  I laugh and look between the two of them. I pretend I’m going to run toward Penny, which causes Gavin to head in my direction. Distracted, I chase him and slap my hand on his back.

  “You’re it!” I call out, wiping my hair away from my face.

  “You tricked me,” he laughs.

  “Ah, I knew it would work eventually.” I point at him and waggle my eyebrows.

  “She got you!” Penny walks up to us. “I’m thirsty.” She sighs heavily, her face blotchy and sweaty from running around.

  “Let’s go to Sundae Bliss, and I’ll get you some water and ice cream,” Gavin suggests. “How does that sound?” He looks over at me.

  “Perfect,” I grin.

  We walk toward the ice cream shop as Penny describes what she’s going to order, down to the colored sprinkles and cherry.