The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3) by Mary Smith Page B

hits the pillow.
    Tomorrow will be better.
     

     
    The smell of bacon and coffee overwhelm me as I come downstairs. I slept in more than I thought I would have, and it felt good. I can’t remember the last time I slept in. I must have needed it after the mental exhaustion of yesterday.
    “Max.” Arabella calls my name as I enter the kitchen. “Are you excited about today?”
    I kiss the top of her head. “Yes. I am. Are you?”
    “Yes.” She chomps on a piece of crispy bacon.
    I smile, taking my seat across from her. Remington sits a cup of coffee in front of me and a plate of eggs and bacon. I’ve not talked to him since I ran out yesterday. I’m still trying to figure out what he’s lying about, and it makes me wonder if Harlow’s right.
    I think I need to do some more research.
    “Thank you,” I say to him.
    He pats my shoulder and goes back to talking about hockey with his dad. Claire is on her phone, and I assume she’s answering emails or texts as she vigorously types on the screen.
    I focus on my breakfast, not saying anything. Even though I’m well rested, thoughts are still bouncing around my head. I’d do better if I could pace the room, but it’s not an option right now.
    I truly can’t believe Remington would go so far as to intentionally lie to me. I trust him. Yes, he loves his daughter and would go above and beyond for her. Hell, I love her, and I am doing the same thing.
    He told me he had to see his attorney soon, and even though he said I didn’t have to go, maybe I should make a point of it. I mean, I’m going to have to go anyway, right? Plus, it’s almost the middle of July, which also means I’ve been here a while now and not met the attorney yet. I’ll let Remington know I’ll go with him.
    But I’m still going to do my part of researching family law attorneys and policies on child custodies.
    “Max, are you almost done?”
    Arabella’s question pulls me away from the plan formulating in my mind. “Yes” I answer, even though I’ve not really touched my food yet. “I’m not really hungry,” I inform Remington who nods. He seems to be nervous.
    “Let’s get going.” Claire smiles.
    Arabella cheers and races up to her room to wash her face free of bacon and eggs. I’m grabbing my purse when Remington steps up to me.
    “Let’s talk for a second.” It’s not a question as he nods toward the TV room.
    I follow him in and wait.
    “Mom and Dad want to take Arabella to a movie tonight and maybe we can go to dinner. Just the two of us.” He takes my hand in his. “I heard you come in last night, but I figured talking would be out of the question. I knew how tired you were.”
    “I was.” My voice cracks, and I can feel tears building.
    Why?
    There’s no need for me to be emotional right now.
    “So, dinner sound good?”
    I nod. “Sure.”
    He relaxes. “Great. I really hope you have a fun day.” He leans in and kisses my cheek.
    Our kiss yesterday is the best moment of my life. His touch is soft, real. It doesn’t scare me. Well, unless I let my mind wander, and then I just screw it up.
    “I’ll see you later.” I rush away from him to join Claire and Arabella, who are both waiting for me by the front door.
    On the way to the salon, Arabella talks about her dance class tomorrow, and she can’t wait to show off for her grandparents. I continually smiles in the mirror at her bubbling personality. I love her. She’s a perfect being and reminds me of how good the world can be. I want to do everything in my powers to keep her away from her mother.
    My views are jaded at times toward some types of parents. Rickie, for one. I know how they were and she reminds me so much of her . Who calls their child a paycheck? Obviously, someone who isn’t a parent. Look at the Rosin’s: these are parents. Are they perfect? They seem to be, but I’m not naïve; I know there were ups and downs in their family, but nothing compared to mine.
    When we reach the nail salon, I