Her First Date
Neal stood in the mirror while putting on his tie. He was nervous because he had never done this before. He hoped he would make a good impression on his date.
He checked himself once more before exiting the bedroom. He made his way out the front door and took a deep breath.
"Here we go," he said to himself. He turned toward the front door again and rang the doorbell.
The door opened to reveal his six-year-old daughter smiling.
"Daddy," she called out laughing.
"Hi princess," Neal said. "You look beautiful." She was wearing a light blue dress. Her blonde hair was tied into two side ponytails.
"Mommy made my dress," she said excited.
"She did? And your shoes...did mommy pick those out too?"
The little girl shook her head yes and lifted up her leg to show her father her white shoes. She jumped forward a little and Neal caught her hands.
"Daddy," she started to say. "I'm ready for…our date."
"I'm ready too princess," Neal said.
The little girl dragged Neal inside the house and pulled him toward the backyard.
Neal pulled a chair back and helped her into it then presented her with a vase of roses. "These are for you Victoria. Do you like them?"
Victoria nodded her head yes. Neal laughed softly and kissed the top of her head. He sat across from her and took the menu that was laying in front of him.
Victoria mimicked him. He brought the menu down a little to see her intensely studying it. She had such a determined look on her face that reminded him so much of Emma.
"Daddy, I want mac and cheese," she stated.
Neal put down his menu. "I'll have the same thing."
Seconds later David came out with a towel over his forearm and a pitcher of lemonade. He poured the drinks.
"Are you ready to order?" David asked.
"Grandpa, I want mac and cheese," she said. He winked at her and she giggled. He turned to Neal.
"Make that two," Neal said.
After their "dinner", Neal took Victoria to the park. She loved the swings and she demanded Neal push her higher. A smile was brought to his face every time he heard her laugh. It was a sound he would never grow tired of.
Afterwards, he walked her to the car. He crouched down. "Did you have a good time?"
"Yes daddy," she said.
"Good because this is how you should always be treated. I'm always here for you and I love you," he said.
She firmly wrapped her small arms around his neck. "Love you too daddy."