Ex-Convict Nanny and Billionaire Single Dad novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: The Pier Again

The sun was going down behind the trees on the far side of Green Lake when Lulu dragged me onto the fishing pier.

It was the first time I'd stood on it since March.

The boards were dry and warm.

Kids were fishing off the side with their fathers. A dog was barking at a duck.

Someone had bolted a new red life ring to a post at the end, beside a white sign.

I hadn't seen it on the walk up.

Nate was standing beside it in his court shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

He looked like a man about to be sick.

"Daddy," Lulu said, in a carrying whisper. "I brought her. I didn't tell. Okay, I told a little."

"You did great, bug."

She let go of my hand and ran to him, and he gave her something small.

She put both hands behind her back.

I looked at the sign on the post.

LIFE RING. THROW, DON'T GO. A phone number. The parks department logo.

Under it, a small brass plate.

For the woman who went in.

I put my fingers on the brass.

"There are eleven more," Nate said.

"One on every pier and dock on this lake. The city let me pay for them if I didn't put my name on any."

"You didn't put your name on any."

"I put yours on that one. Without asking." He grimaced. "I know. I'm working on it."

"I'll allow it."

Lulu was hopping from foot to foot behind him.

"Daddy. Daddy. Do it now."

"I'm getting there."

"You're taking forever again."

He looked at me.

The light was on his face, all gold, and the gray at his temples, and the crooked front tooth.

"Ten weeks ago on this pier you were soaking wet and I threatened you," he said. "I'd like to do it differently this time."

"You're not going to threaten me?"

"I'm going to ask you something. You can say no."

"I know I can."

"That's why I'm asking."

He went down on one knee on the warm boards.

The fathers fishing along the side went quiet. One of them nudged his son.

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