she says, looking confused. “Isn't she going to find it odd she has her own room at her mom's friend's house?”
Honestly, I hadn't thought about that. But then again, that's all the more reason for Saige to tell her the truth. I don't know what else I can do to prove I'm not going anywhere, and this room is even more assurance. That little girl has quickly become my whole world.
I FINISH PAINTING ON Wednesday, a ballerina pink I know she'll love, and the furniture gets delivered early Thursday morning. Throughout the time we've spent together all week after Saige gets out of work and I get done with practice, it's been hard not to spill the secret. But, I know it'll all be worth it when I see her face.
Before I know it, it's Friday morning, and Saige texts me to say she's on the way. I do another sweep to make sure I have everything while listening to my mother ramble about how wonderful this is.
Comfortable blankets.
Movies.
Candy.
Something to make for dinner.
It may seem like overkill, but messing this up is not an option. It's the first time Saige is allowing me to be alone with Brenna, and if this goes well, it could become a regular thing.
The doorbell rings, telling me they’re here.
“Okay, Mom?” I say into the phone. “They’re here. I’ve got to go.”
She sighs heavily. “Colby, you can’t just drop a ‘you have a five-year-old granddaughter’ bomb on me and then jump off the phone.”
“I promise I will call you tomorrow.”
It’s not the response she was looking for, but she accepts it anyway and we both hang up.
As soon as I open the door, Brenna stands there with a huge smile on her face. I'm not sure who is more excited about this, her or me. She rushes inside, not even caring if her mom follows or not.
“Tell me you bought more ice cream,” she says, pure drama.
I chuckle. “I'm starting to think you only like me for the sweet treats I provide.”
She smiles sweetly. “Well, duh. Why else?”
“I'd like to think I'm funny.”
“Eh,” she quips. “You're okay.”
Saige sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose between her thumb and index finger. “She has too much sass for her own good.”
I give her a knowing look and smirk. “No idea where on earth she got that from.”
“Must have been her dad.”
It's the first time Saige has been the first to mention something about me being Brenna's father, and I'd like to think that's a step in the right direction. I take the backpack that I assume has B's clothes in it and put it on the stool. Then, I grab her wrist.
“Come on,” I tell her. “I have a surprise for B, and I want you to see it, too.”
“A surprise?” the little one cheers excitedly. “I love surprises!”
We walk through the house and down the hallway, and I try not to relish in the fact that Saige hasn't removed herself from my grasp. When we get outside the door, I reluctantly let go.
“Okay, you ready?”
Brenna nods excitedly while Saige looks confused, until I open the door and show them my former gym. B's jaw drops and her whole face lights up as she runs into the room. The white furniture looks great with the pink walls. It's truly a room fit for a princess, and I can tell by her reaction that Brenna loves it. Saige, on the other hand, is completely speechless.
“Do you like it?” I ask her.
She lets out a shaky breath and turns around for a second. My brows furrow as I step around her and lift her chin so she's looking back at me. Her watery eyes give away the fact that she's about to cry.
“Hey,” I whisper. “What's wrong? I thought you'd like it.”
Shaking her head, she does her best to compose herself. “I do. Honest. I just didn't expect you to do this. What about your gym?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “There are a ton of gyms I can use. This is more important.”
“Mommy!” Brenna calls. “You have to feel this bed. It's so comfy!”
Saige and I look over at our daughter and both smile. Her happiness is contagious. I could bask in it all day. It's almost impossible to be in a bad mood around her.
“I have to get going,” Saige says after checking the time on her phone. “Any issues, you can call my cell. I'll be in the theater, but I'll have it on vibrate.”
“Everything will be fine.”
She levels