Delaney shakes her head. “Nah. You’re just fine as you are. Super fine even.”

I laugh.

“You’re in your underwear.” Amelia’s eyes are wide.

“I am, but that’s okay apparently. What’s this cartoon?”

“Paw Patrol.”

“Show me.”

Amelia sits beside me as we watch, and soon the aroma of bacon and another scent I can’t identify floats through the air.

“What are you making, Delaney?” I call out.

“French toast and bacon.”

“Smells great.” I turn to Amelia. “I should at least put on a shirt.”

She nods. “I’m wearing my nightie. I don’t sit in my underwear.”

I laugh. “No, you don’t. Give me a second.”

Heading back into the bedroom, I tug on my shirt, and pick up my jeans and jacket before turning around and going back to the living room.

Amelia pats the cushion beside her. She’s so welcoming, and doesn’t seem at all bothered that I’m here. Does she suspect? There’s an ease between us that will help when we do tell her the truth, and my stomach’s churning over the thought of it.

Whoever thought a five-year-old could make me so nervous?

“Here we go.” Delaney carries in two plates and puts them on the coffee table. “I’ll just grab mine and the coffees.”

“I’m so hungry,” Amelia says. Delaney shakes her head.

“She’s such a show-off when you’re around. Must be trying to impress.” She laughs.

“I’m already impressed. By her and her mother.”

Delaney grins. “You’ve already got all the brownie points after last night.”

I shrug. “Just telling the truth.”

She gives me one last look before disappearing into the kitchen again.

I’m so crazy about her.

* * *

We laze around all morning, watching cartoons with Amelia before Delaney makes lunch.

This time, I follow her into the kitchen.

“Let me help.”

“You don’t have to. Spend more time with your daughter.” Delaney smiles. “She adores you; she really does.”

“She doesn’t really know me.”

“She knows enough to just be fine with you being here. Did you see her freak out this morning?”

“No, but …”

Delaney pecks me on the lips. “But nothing. Let’s have some lunch and then tell her. If it were anyone else, I might be wary, but she’s shown just how much she likes you.”

My heart leaps.

Amelia knows me, but I’m still nervous as all hell. How will she react? Will she wonder where I’ve been? Will she hate me? Will she just turn back to her cartoons without a care in the world?

“Josh. She’s going to love it. Trust me. We’ll sit down and tell her. If we beat around the bush, she’ll just get confused.”

I nod. I’ll back off and let Delaney steer this ship. There’s no one who knows our daughter better than her.