Page 6 of Power Play

“We can revisit it in the offseason,” he suggests. “I’ll be home more and won’t need as much help. I don’t have time during the season to fuck around with someone I don’t trust.”

“But you trust me?” I scoff in disbelief. He’s got to be shitting me; I’m a complete stranger, and he wants to leave his kid with me? Have me move into his house?

He laughs. “No. I don’t.”

At least he’s honest about it.

“But you’re all Emmy knows, and I can’t disrupt her life any more than has already happened. At least for now, you’re my only option.”

Somehow, that makes me feel better about this. He’s backed into a corner; he doesn’t want this, just as much as I don’t.

Emmy starts to fuss, and Alberto’s eyes widen.

“Can I…” He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Can I hold her?”

Even though it kills me to let her go, I know it’s the right thing to do.

We both stand, and I slowly slide her into his massive arms. He immediately moves to support her bottom and her back, and her chubby hands cling to him. He shifts her, and I’m afraid he’s going to drop her, but he adjusts his grasp to hold her more securely. One thick finger runs over her hand, and she grabs at his index finger with her strong grip.

His eyes well up, and his throat works.

“Hi, Emmy,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m your daddy.”