Page 42 of Love Always, Nova Black

Don

Everything felt right.

I still couldn’t believe what had transpired the day before, but I was more than pleased with the result. Finally, I’d got the girl.

Purposely staying behind, I watched as Nova and Dakota walked hand and hand through the cupcake shop, laughing about whatever TV show they had spent the afternoon watching. It was a sight to see, and I was blessed to be able to witness something so special.

“Daddy, why are you all the way back there?” Dakota asked.

“Sorry, angel, I was trying to focus. I don’t want to drop your cupcake.”

Turning around, she started skipping backward and licking her lips. “I don’t want you to either.”

“What about right here?’ Nova said as she pointed to a booth that could fit the three of us. It sat next to a large window allowing us to see inside the kiddy play area.

“This is perfect,” I replied.

“Yeah, it’s perfect.” Dakota slid right into the booth and waited for Nova to slide in next to her. “Can I have my cupcake now, Daddy?”

“Okay, sweetheart, hold on. We just sat down.”

“I’m sorry, I just want it now. So many sprinkles.”

“Yeah, it is,” I replied before pulling her vanilla pastry from the little box and pushing it towards her. I could see her mouth watering simply from the sight of the cherry on top. “I don’t know how you’re going to eat all of that icing, especially since it’s not whipped.”

Nova groaned. “No one wants whipped icing, Don. That stuff is disgusting.”

“You’re crazy. Whipped icing will always be the better icing.”

“I don’t know who lied to you, but that mess shouldn’t even exist. You might as well cover a cake in Cool Whip and call it a day.”

I waved her off. “I see you’re tripping hard today.”

“Nah, you’re tripping.”

“Daddy, are you and Titi Nova boyfriend and girlfriend?” Dakota blurted.

With half her fork in her mouth, Nova started coughing.

Neither of us was expecting to hear those words. But Dakota never shied away from saying what was on her mind.

“Um…what makes you ask that sweetheart?” I asked.

Joyously rocking from side to side, she stared at her cupcake while also smiling as she spoke. “Because you’re smiling really big together. When people smile really big together, they like each other.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep.”

Finally clearing her throat, Nova turned to face Dakota. “Would you be okay if Daddy and I were boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Sure, why not?” she replied with a nonchalant shrug.

“Are you really sure?” I chimed in.

“Yeah. I love Titi Nova.”

Smiling, Nova pulled Dakota into a hug and kissed the top of her head. “Aww…I love you too munchkin.”