In that moment, April coveted a childhood with a father who would take her to an animal shelter and let her pick out a kitten. All she had ever known was a grandmother, who would have told her that Waylon would hate another cat in the house.

“Belle did wear a pretty yellow dress when she went to the ball, didn’t she?” April said. “Would you like me to take that one out and let you play with her, or maybe rock her a little?”

Callie nodded very seriously. “Yes, please.”

April opened the cage and handed the kitten to Callie, and the yellow ball of fur put a paw up on Callie’s cheek. “I think she likes you.”

Callie carried her over to the rocking chair and loved on her for a few minutes, then set her on the floor and picked up a long, braided piece of yarn. The kitten looked like a windup toy as it chased after the braid.

“This is the one, Daddy. She loves me.” Callie’s lower lip trembled.

“Why the sad face if this one likes you?” Kent asked.

Callie wiped away one little tear. “The others look so lonely. We’ve got a big house and lots of yard. Can’t we take them all home with us?”

“No!” Kent shook his head. “Not even your well-trained tear will work today. One kitten is the limit. Now bring your new kitty cat along, and let’s get out of these ladies’ way.” He turned to April. “Are there papers that we have to fill out?”

“Yes, but she’s not a bother. We love it when folks come in and play with the kittens.”

“I’ll be back for y’all later,” Callie whispered as she blew them a kiss and followed her father out into the vet side of the clinic to get their adoption papers filled out.

Stella giggled. “You’ve got your hands full, Kent.”

“Don’t I know it?” He laughed with her.

April knew she’d never see Callie again. But what if a daughter was part of her new future?

She could hear Callie telling Maudie what name to put on the adoption papers, and asked Stella in a low voice, “Are her folks divorced?”

“No, honey,” Stella answered. “Her mama died when Callie was just a year old. Kent has raised her on his own ever since. He adores that child and is such a good daddy. The world would be a better place if there were more men like him.”

April didn’t know the guy, but she nodded in agreement. Any man who was that kind and sweet to his daughter had to be one of the good ones.

“I’m going to miss that kitten so much,” April sighed.