"Dad, can I come in?" Emily called out softly.

The door opened, and Cal glared at her. "So, anything you'd like to tell me?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"You only told me because I caught you two red-handed."

Emily crossed her arms defensively. "What does that mean? We weren't doing anything wrong."

"I know, I know, you're two consenting adults. I don't wanna hear it."

"Dad! Would you just listen to me?" Emily cried out in exasperation.

"This isn't about sex. We haven't had sex, and we probably won't for a very long time, if at all."

He didn't look convinced, so she went on.

"I like him a lot. He's so respectful. He opens doors for me! Seriously, who still does that? He's the perfect gentleman. And honest. Honesty is really important to me. And we like the same music, and he gives the best hugs and..." Emily realized she was babbling and stopped. She quickly wiped the goofy smile from her face and anxiously waited for her dad's response.

"Fine."

"Fine?"

He looked defeated. "Fine. Just don't expect me to be happy about it."

"Thanks Dad." Emily knew that was the most she would get from her father for now. She hugged him. "You're still the number one man in my life. You always have been, and always will be."

"Thanks, love." He kissed the top of her head.

Cal sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at a picture of Emily when she was four. Complete with pigtails and mismatched socks, she was the picture of innocence. Fifteen years later, and she was still his little girl. She would always be his baby.

He rubbed his temples. Why couldn't he have had a boy?

He dialed Gillian's number. She was the first person he ran to when he needed someone. She answered on the second ring.

"Cal, did you make it home alright?"

"No, I got in an accident. Pronounced dead at the scene I'm afraid."

He could hear the smile in her voice. "Well, that's a shame. I guess I'll have to find someone else to go out to dinner with tomorrow night."

"Oi, don't be replacing me yet, love."

"Wouldn't dream of it." There was a pause. "So, did you just call me to say you missed me?"

"Not exactly...It's Emily."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah, more than okay. It's me that about had a bloody coronary."

"Oh,"

He could hear the slight change of tone. Realization. She had known, and hadn't said anything about it to him?! "Gillian, is there something you want to tell me?"

"Why don't you go first."

"Emily is dating Loker. And you knew it!" He accused.

"I'm surprised you didn't figure it out sooner. It was blatantly obvious."

"Was it really?"

"Yes! Although I know your emotions are in the way when it comes to reading your daughter. I assumed you were in denial."

He thought back over the past month. The way Emily blushed slightly whenever Loker touched her. How she was always slightly facing him. Her body language had been screaming flirtation. And then the past two days, they suddenly seemed more comfortable with each other...

"I'm losing it, Gill. All the signs were there, I don't know how I missed it..."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Cal."

He sighed heavily. "What am I gonna do with her?"

She laughed. "Nothing. Let it be. They really care for each other. Be honest, Loker really is a great guy."

"But not good enough for her."

"Will anyone ever be good enough for her?"

He snorted. "Alright, don't pull your psychologist crap with me, love." He brushed it off, but she was right. No one would ever be good enough for his Emily.

"You know, if you had just agreed to that 'Relationships in the Workplace' Lecture a couple weeks ago..." Gillian's voice slipped into a flirtatious tone.

He smiled. "Speaking of secret love, this might be a good time to tell Emily about us."

"I've been thinking the same thing." Cal could tell that she was trying to hide her excitement. This was the next step in their relationship.

"Perfect. I think this calls for a family meeting. How's this weekend?"

"Great. I'll bring the pineapple ice cream."

Emily's favorite. Gillian knew his daughter just as well as he did.

As they exchanged goodbyes and hung up, Cal gazed at the empty left side of the bed. He was tired of sleeping alone. It was definitely time for a change.

Hey! I've been working on two stories at once, which is a new thing for me. My other fic is a SPN one, called With Arms Wide Open. I've also been sharing my laptop with my 13-year-old sister, who has more homework than any child should have. Borderline child abuse, I'm tellin' you. So between a full-time job, sharing the laptop, and writing two fanfictions at once...this story isn't getting as much attention as I'd like. Thanks for being patient with me. I'll try to write a chapter a day, even if it's a small one. Thanks for your continued support! Stay strong 3