Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Then she continues. “It all makes so much sense now. Like they’ve always been together or should have been.”
“I have to say, I was tickled when he called to ask about my jeweler. I guess I took too long to get back to him because by the time I called him with the information, he informed me he had already made a purchase. He was so excited,” Bentley’s mom says.
“I’m just happy the two have been so responsible,” my dad says as he comes into the kitchen.
“Can we talk about something else? There has to be something else of interest going on around here,” I grumble as I chop at the ground meat in the pan.
“You’re my baby, the most interesting topic in the world to me,” my father says as he comes and wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“I doubt that, Daddy.”
“Then you don’t know my girl. Track star, straight-A student, most beautiful girl in the world, and my entire heart,” he says and kisses my forehead as he gives me a squeeze.
“I think you’re a little biased,” I snicker.
“Nah, that’s my baby. Why don’t you come take a walk with me before you take off with the others. I wanted to talk with you, and I have a gift for you.”
“Okay, let me get this all stirred up and in the oven.”
“Didn’t I tell you I had it? Girl, if you don’t get your butt out of this kitchen.”
“All right, all right,” I relent.
My father leads me out of the Coswell home, and we begin to walk around our block. I’ve walked this path with my dad more times than I can remember. Memories of looking up at him as a little girl hit me hard suddenly.
He would hold my hand and look down at me with the biggest smile on his face. I think I’ve outgrown all of that. However, when he takes my hand in his, like he used to do when I was little, I begin to tear up.
I’m such a daddy’s girl. My father has always been my hero. I’ve always had his support and words of wisdom to help guide me.
“I meant what I said, Zahirah. I’m so proud of you. You’ve turned into a beautiful young woman. Your grades have been outstanding, and I’m so damn proud of your track seasons. You’re my little superstar, but you’re not so little anymore,” he chokes out.
“I’m still your little girl. That’s never going to change.”
“Oh, baby girl, I wish that were true. It’s already changing. You’re becoming an adult. You have adult situations coming your way. You know it’s not going to be a walk in the park to be on Bentley’s arm.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it. You two are about to face a world of challenges. Starting with him entering the pros while you’re still working on your degree and an Olympic spot. Do you think you’re ready for this?”
“Yeah, Dad. I think I am. We’ve gotten stronger over the last year. Neither of us wants to bring the other drama.
“We’re too focused on our sport and I’ll be focused on my grades. Bent knows and respects that. I think I love him more because of it,” I reply.
“I want you to remember you can always come home when life gets heavy and you need your mother and me. We’re here and we’ll support you in any way we can.”
“I know, Daddy, but thank you for saying it out loud as a reminder. It makes me feel a whole lot better.”
“You’re my baby. I’ve always got your back. Oh, by the way, Bill and I can’t wait for the spring to use those golf passes.
“That was a great gift, baby. Bill had to give up his membership when things were tight. I didn’t see a reason to keep mine without him. We’ve been wanting to get back out there together. Thank you.”
I give him a smile. “You’re welcome. Speaking of Christmas gifts, what’s this gift you have for me?” I ask as we make it back around the block to our house.
He stops in front of our driveway instead of continuing next door to the Coswells’. I look up at him expectantly. The sound of the garage door opening grabs my attention.
When I turn, there’s a brand-new car sitting in the garage with a big red bow on it. I look back at my dad in disbelief. I had no idea my parents planned to gift me a new car.
The car I have is getting older and has had some trouble in the last few months, but I never expected this. I should have known when the state of my car became the first thing he would ask about during our weekly calls. My dad is a protector and provider.
“Oh my God, are you serious? This is mine?” I squeal.