She steps forward to give me a hug. “In that case, I’m not worried. You’re the best coach in the world.”
Exhaling through a smile, I return her hug. “Thanks, sis.”
“Don’t forget your little raisin upstairs.” She nods, heading for the door. “See you in the morning.”
I return my beer to the fridge and jog up the stairs to where I hear Kimmie in the tub singing some girl song I sort-of recognize. It’s something Dylan would’ve listened to at her age, about learning to drive or driving around a neighborhood.
“Hey, Peanut,” I call, putting my hand on the door to open it.
“Daddy!” She screams so loudly, my heart flies to my throat.
“Kimmie!” Bolting for the door, I stop in my tracks when she shouts.
“Don’t come in here, Daddy—I’mnaked!” Horror is in her tone, like how dare I try to see her without clothes on?
Standing in the hallway, I put both hands on the door jamb. How the hell do I navigate this new development? Hell, just last night she was dancing around the house with no clothes on, and when I finally made her get in the tub, she wanted me to hold the towel so she could jump into it.
That was less than twenty-four hours ago.
I glance out the window at the top of the stairs, but Dylan is gone.
“Okay…” I exhale, trying to think. “Can you get out of the tub on your own and dry off?”
“I’m seven years old, Daddy.” She’s already getting pretty good at that teenager tone.
Leaning against the wall, exhaustion rolls over me. “Don’t make a big mess, okay? Let me know when you’re done, and I’ll tuck you into bed.”
I hear splashing on the other side of the door, and I envision water covering everything. Holding back, I go to my room to change out of the clothes I’ve had on all day. I need a shower myself, but I’ll do it in the morning. I don’t have anyone to impress tonight.
The thought tugs at my chest, and my mind flickers to Allie. I wonder what she’s doing right now. I imagine Austin getting home, tired and hungry. I imagine she’ll fix him something to eat. Do they watch TV shows? Does he go straight to bed?
“I’m ready, Daddy!” Kimmie yells to me from down the hall.
I pull a T-shirt over my head and walk to her bedroom to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight.
“You’re still wet, Peanut.” Her cotton gown sticks to her skin, and her dark hair is damp on the ends.
“I rubbed the towel on me.” She looks at her little body, and my lips twist.
If it were winter, I’d probably insist she do it again. I’m going to have to talk to Dylan about this before it gets too cold.
Mom was still around when my sister was small, and I didn’t pay a bit of attention to what they did.
Now I’m alone with a sassy little girl as stubborn as every member of my family.
“Let me at least dry your hair.” I pick up the heavy towel, and my brow lowers. “Why is this towel so wet?”
Her brows rise over her amber eyes and she shakes her head, looking to the side. “You told me not to make a big mess, so I had to clean up the water.”
“Did you clean it up before or after you dried your body?”
“Before, Daddy!” She laughs like I’m the crazy one.
Scrubbing my hand over my mouth, I have to let this gotonight. I’m too exhausted to deal with it, and I’ve got another long day of practice starting at 7 a.m.
“Next time, dry your body first.” I carry the wet towel to the door and drop it in a heap. “You’re cleaner than the bathroom floor.”
At least, I hope she is.
