24. Skylar

“What color do you think I should get?” I smile down at Riley.

We’re at our little spa day courtesy of Tucker. He told me to do all the girly things with Riley and make her feel better. We’re getting our hair cut and mani pedis.

“I think you should get bright pink. That’s Daddy’s favorite.”

“Oh, is it? I better get it then.”

They lead us over to the pedicure area. We settle into the warm foot baths and relax into the massage chairs. I want to have fun with Riley, but I don’t really know what to say to her. We’re in a weird position, I”m her principal, but I”m also her daddy’s girlfriend.

“Skylar… Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, you can ask me anything.” I take a sip of my water bottle.

“Are you gonna be my new mommy?”

I choke on my water, spitting it out everywhere. The nail technician glares up at me, wiping my spit water off of her face.

“Oh my gosh! I”m so sorry! I… uh… I wasn’t expecting her to ask that!”

She stands up, stomping off to the back of the shop, and another woman comes over to do my toes.

“Let’s keep the water away from you.” She smirks up at me. I don’t blame her; I’ve never done anything like that before. I”m so thankful we left Maple Springs for this little spa day. The last thing I need is everyone finding out I spit water all over a woman.

“Skylar?”

I turn my attention back to Riley, whose expression has fallen.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Do you not want to be my mommy?” Her bottom lip trembles as her eyes begin to water. Shit.

“It’s not that, Riley…” I take my time, choosing my words carefully. “I don’t know how to be a mommy. I’ve never done it before. And your daddy and I just started dating, I don’t know what’s gonna happen between us. He might not want me to be your mommy.”

Damn, I never realized until this second how much I’d love to marry Tucker and be Riley’s mom. It would be like a dream come true.

“Daddy loves you.”

“How do you know?”

“I remember going to that big city. We played in the park, Daddy and Uncle Colt watched you move boxes. On the way home he told Uncle Colt he’d never stop loving you. He said he missed you and wanted you back. I think he’d like you to be my mommy. Maybe even have more babies.”

“Maybe… but I think that’s something me and your daddy need to discuss first.”

“Ok! We can talk to him tonight!”

“Uh… Riley, I think your daddy and I need to talk… alone.”

“Ohhh, ok!”

She’s silent for a little bit longer before she turns to me again.

“Were you friends with Uncle Colt when you used to live here?”

“Yup. Colt was like a brother to me.”

“Was he as fun back then as he is now?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t gotten to spend much time with him recently.”

“You’ll have to come to lunch at Gran’s on Sunday! Uncle Colt always comes. He says Gran makes the best pie in the world.”

“I remember your Gran’s pie.” I smile to myself. “I think it just might be the best pie in the world.”