Picking Peaches (Rosewood)

by Ansley B. Calloway

There was no way I was going to do anything to jeopardize that smile.

​I nodded with a smile. “I need a break. Plus, I always have time for Willy Wonka.” ​He smiled and quietly muttered. “Lucky guy.”

​Until I felt a pinky touch mine. My head jerked down to look and I saw Ashton’s hand placed right next to mine.

​How I was deemed unfit to pick out my own daughter’s clothes I would never know.

His stern dad voice was not helping my situation.

I hoped if I didn’t move maybe she hadn’t seen my 5’10 frame standing right smack in front of her.

WHY AM I CACKALING

How the hell was I supposed to compete with my past self who lived and breathed volleyball? Now I lived and breathed snacks and swim lessons.

On my next putt Ashton slammed his club down right in front of the hole and I could only laugh. “Daddy! That is cheating!” ​He stared at his own daughter with his mouth hanging open. The blatant favoritism made my heart squeeze.

​She sat up out of bed excitedly. “The beach! We went to the beach with lots of sun and now Georgia thinks you’re pretty and she’ll go on a date with you.”

BROOOO

How would that make you feel if Georgia and I went on a date?” ​Her smile kicked in full time as she beamed up at me. “Happy! Duh.”

“You have a beautiful family by the way, son. Never take that for granted.” ​I blinked before smiling. “I won’t. Thank you very much ma’am.”

AWHHHHH

I just sat back and basked in the sound of my happy little family.