"They won't have to find out. As far as they know, the relationship came to a natural end. You're obviously out of my league anyway. It will be believable."
That threw me. "Why would you think that?"
He leveled me with an exasperated look. "You're studying for your doctorate, and I'm a construction worker."
"You went to college like I did. And just because I have an advanced degree doesn't mean I'm better than you."
Dalton shrugged. "I'm fairly sure it does. You have your life together in a way that I don't. I got my ex-girlfriend pregnant, and I can't be upset about Lilliana, but I could have chosen a better parent for her."
"Yeah, but you didn't choose her necessarily. You said you were planning on breaking up with her, so you'd already decided that she wasn't the one for you. Her getting pregnant was an accident." The more I learned about Oakley, the more I was inclined to believe it was possible she'd manipulated that situation too. It gave her an excuse to keep Dalton in her life.
"I'm hoping Oakley will back off if she thinks we're together."
"That's a big if. It might make her more determined to get to you," I said.
"My attorney was confident this was the smartest move."
"I'm happy to help you in any way I can. You're doing me a favor by letting me stay here. And I want the best for Lilliana."
"I really appreciate this. I owe you big time. If you ever need anything?—"
"You're already doing more than enough: a job with an amazing little girl and a place to stay. You don't owe me anything."
He shook his head. "We'll have to disagree on that."
Dalton was impressing me as a man who was trying to do the best for his little girl. He put up with a lot from Oakley because he was afraid. I was proud of him for standing up for himself.
"How was your day?" Dalton asked, and I was glad to change the subject.
"It was great. We had fun with Henry and spent a lot of time playing and getting to know each other."
Dalton stood. "Let me know if there's anything you need."
I bit my lip, wondering if I should tell him. "I was wondering if you would mind if I painted with her. I have all the supplies: an easel, paint, and brushes. I'll clean everything up when I'm done."
His forehead wrinkled. "You want to paint with her?"
"If that's okay. Not everyone wants me to set up the paints because it's messy."
Dalton shrugged. "I don't see why it would be an issue."
"It would be easier if we could set up an easel, but it's kind of big."
"Where is it?"
"It's in that box." I pointed to the one leaning against the wall.
"Where do you want it?"
"Maybe in the living room. We can move it outside when we're ready to paint. I'll put down drop cloths," I rushed to add, worried that he'd think it was too much.
"I'll set it up now."
He opened the box and pulled the easel out, moving toward the living room before I could say anything.
He opened the easel, and I rushed to help him set it on the wood floor correctly so it wouldn't fall over.
Excited to see my easel up again, I said, "Do you mind if I set up the supplies? I have a little cart to organize everything."
