Daddy’s Little Girl (Chapter 4)

After everyone had eaten, played some volleyball, and did some rowing on the lake, the crowd started to thin. Melinda and Eric took their blanket and went up the hill and found a place under a large oak tree, a good distance from the crowd. Eric had had a little too much to drink and swayed as he helped Melinda place the blanket on the ground. He seemed to be drinking a lot more lately.

The two of them sat watching the people below, enjoying the cool, early summer breeze.

Melinda put her arm around her dad, snuggling against him. “I love you, dad,” she whispered.

“I love you too, Melinda,” Eric said, turning to his daughter.

Melinda saw a tear in his eye.

“What’s wrong, daddy?” Melinda said with concern.

“Nothing sweet pea, it’s just that this is so perfect. Your mom and I used to bring you here all the time. We even sat under this tree. I feel the best that I’ve felt since your mother died. Thank you for being here for me,” Eric said leaning in close and wrapping his arms around her.

“I will always be here for you, dad.”