“Okay, Daddy,” she said and ran to her room.
She came out with her socks on. “Is it time to go yet?” she asked.
I laughed at her. “Not quite, sweetheart. Are you excited?”
She nodded her head, and it reminded me of those bobblehead collectibles.
“I wish I could take you everywhere. To all of the cool places around.” I felt sad that I couldn’t do that for my daughter. She deserved so much more than I gave her. I wanted to give her the world, but with all the bills I was up against, it was next to impossible.
“I don’t need to go everywhere,” she said.
I cocked my head to the side and asked, “Why’s that?”
“I love just being with you, Daddy,” she said. My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest.
I loved my daughter more than anything in this world, and every time she said things like that, it made me want to cry. She was the sweetest little girl I’d ever known, and I knew I had her mom to thank for that. I was glad she had that trait because I knew she would give everyone a chance. She would not be quick to judge someone and would always be accepting of others.
Margie wanted to color while I got ready, so I pulled out her crayons and coloring book and placed them at the kitchen table. She sat in a chair and went to work.
I went into my room and changed out of my t-shirt and basketball shorts. I wanted to help Margie get ready first. She still had a hard time remembering to brush her hair properly and when that happened, she would get big knots in the back.
I put on a pair of khaki shorts and a black Rockstar t-shirt I’d received for free after my second big win. I still loved the shirt and wore it quite often. I sprayed myself with my cologne, wanting to make sure I smelled good for Anna.
When I was finished, Margie was still sitting at the table coloring, but then she looked up at me. “Now is it time to go?” The impatient tone she used told me she was tired of waiting.
“Yes. Now, it’s time to go,” I said and walked with her to our car. I buckled her up, and we drove to Anna’s house where she was standing outside in the front with her parents and Ally. We were told to meet at 10:00, and it was 9:50 when I pulled up. I had to admit that I was trying to impress her parents. Especially her dad.
Margie ran over to Anna as soon as I helped her get unbuckled, and I watched as Anna picked her up and gave her a big hug. I smiled as I walked over to join the rest of them.
“Good morning, Justin,” Millie said and gave me a hug. I was going to have to get used to the affection they showed.
“Good morning, Millie. You’re looking beautiful today,” I wasn’t lying when I said this; she really was gorgeous.
She laughed. “Stop it,” she said and lightly hit my arm.
I held out my hand to Tom. “Good morning, Tom.”
“Good morning, Justin,” he said as he shook it. “You have a strong handshake. I like that.”
“You have to in the military,” I said with a laugh.
Tom laughed. “Yes, that you do.”
“Good morning, Ally,” I said, giving her a small nod.
“Morning,” she said.
Then I turned to Anna. “Good morning, beautiful,” I said and gave her a hug and a small kiss. I wasn’t sure what her limits were regarding affection in front of her parents. I thought it was best.
“Good morning, handsome,” she said. Then she turned her attention back to Margie. “Are you excited?”
“I’m so excited!” she yelled.
Everyone laughed.
“Good, because I am too!” Anna said.
“Are you gonna go on rides with me?” she asked.