Page 211 of The Path to Loving Him
“You think she’s happy?” I ask.
Bower slowly nods her head. “Please. You know damn well she is.”
I smirk. “Yeah, I know.”
Bower pokes my side. “Look at you being all smug. I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Not smug, just . . . happy too.”
“Well, I’m glad you were able to get over your initial douchery and give my girl a chance.”
“Douchery?” I raise a brow.
“Uh, yeah. You were a total douche at first. Not wanting to cross lines. Think of those weeks when you missed out.”
“Didn’t really miss out,” I say with a wiggle.
“My oh my, look at you coming to life. I think my girl has done a number on you.”
“She really has,” I say as I look over at Gabby again. “I feel really lucky.”
“Do you feel balanced?”
“I do,” I say with a nod.
“Gabby was saying Mac took the news well.”
“Yeah, better than I expected.” I scratch my cheek. “Sometimes I think she’s this fragile child who needs to be coddled because of everything she’s gone through, but then I realize how resilient she is and the things she needs in life are pretty simple. She wants love, attention, and to be protected. I can deliver on all of those things.”
“From what I’ve heard, you really can.”
“Man, all these compliments. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself.”
“Swallow them, and don’t hurt my girl.”
“That’s the last thing I plan on doing.”
“Promise me?” She points her finger at me.
“Promise,” I say just as Mac runs up to me.
“Uncle Dad, the game is starting.” Mac tugs on my hand and brings me over to the seats where, lo and behold, the Bombers have taken the field. Jesus, I missed all the opening ceremonies. “Watch with me.”
“You want to watch?” I ask, surprised. She’s never really been into baseball. She’s enjoyed running around the bases after games, but that’s about it.
“Yeah, Gabby said it’s her favorite sport.”
I take a seat in one of the chairs in the front row. “You know it’s my favorite sport too, right?”
“Yes.” She rolls her eyes and takes a seat on my lap.
“But because Gabby likes it, that means you like it?”
“Yup.” Wow, no regret, no thought, just a straight-up yes.
“You know . . . I played baseball, right?”
“Gabby plays too.”
