“Hey, Clark, why don’t I finish up here for you? There’s a call at the desk from your son’s teacher.”

Excusing myself from Chelsea, my ten a.m. personal training client, I thank my co-worker and hustle across the gym to the front desk, trying not panic. Mindy, the front desk receptionist, points to the phone on the back desk. “She’s on line one, Clark.”

Nodding my thanks, I go around the back and pick up the phone. “This is Clark. Is Todd okay?”

“Hi, Clark. It’s Ms. Sue. Calm down, Dad. He’s fine. We’ve had a little mishap with one of the other kids, he’s okay, but I wanted to let you know.”

Trying to calm my rapidly beating heart, I take a deep breath and exhale before asking, “What happened?”

“From what one of the little girls said, one of the boys was giving Todd a hard time, and then started calling him a baby because his eyes filled with tears. Her father is on the way in because she decided to take it upon herself to smack the other little boy on the back of the head and tell him to behave.” She’s fighting to sound professional, but there’s no missing the amusement in her voice.

“She smacked him on the back of the head?”

“Mhmm… apparently she saw it on a TV show and it made perfect sense to her in this situation. Well, it made Todd laugh so the other boy got mad and shoved him. He’s fine, but our Todd’s a little guy, so the shove was enough to put him on his butt.”

“Oh no.” My mind is already racing at the ramifications for this with Todd. He’s extremely sensitive and little things can trigger him withdrawing into himself.

“Now, Clark. I know what you’re thinking and he’s fine. By then I’d crossed the room to separate the kids, and his little protector had already planted herself right on the ground next to him with her arm around him. He didn’t get any more upset than he’d already been. If anything, he’d calmed down because he was still laughing at the little boy getting smacked. Who knew he had such an affinity for violence?”

I bark out a laugh at the mirth in her voice. Todd is about as close to a pacifist as you can get for a four-year-old. “You said the little girl’s dad is on his way?”

“Yeah, he’s coming now. I had to call the parents of the kids who actually touched each other first. You know that’s against the rules.”

“Oh, man. I hope he doesn’t go too hard on her. I’m not happy that any of the kids got physical with each other, but I’m happy to hear that Todd had someone on his side. I don’t suppose the little girl is Sydney?” I ask.

“It is as a matter of fact. They’ve gotten very close,” she says warmly.

“They have. He talks about her all the time, when he talks, anyway. Okay, so do I need to come now or do you think he’ll be okay until class is over?”

“Nope. I think he’s fine. We’ll see you later.”

“Thanks, Ms. Sue.”

“You’re very welcome.”

As soon as we hang up, Mindy asks, “Is everything okay?”

“You’re never going to believe this.” I excitedly tell her the whole story. Mindy and I dated for a while years ago, before I had Todd, but we’ve remained close friends. She knows all about the hardships he’s faced since he was born.

“Oh, Clark. He has a friend. That’s so cool. I know how concerned you’ve been.”

“It’s so hard for kids, hell, for adults to connect with him. I was worried school would be an awful experience. He didn’t have much to say either way at the beginning, but I could tell when he started to like his teacher because he’d show a little excitement. But lately, he can’t wait to go to school, and I’m sure it has a lot to do with this little girl.”

The truth of the matter is, I’d have tried to set up a play date with the little girl’s parents, but from Todd’s description of her—“she has beautiful strawberry hair”—I know exactly what child it is and who her dad is. I wasn’t sure I wanted to interact with Mr. Adorable on a personal level beyond crossing each other’s path during pick up, but after today, I’m definitely going to have to initiate a playdate for the kids.

When I get to the school, Todd’s over in the corner playing quietly with Sydney. The little girl is animatedly moving her arms around as she talks, and Todd’s eyes follow every move she makes. Ms. Sue walks up beside me and says, “Sydney has a way about her. All the kids are drawn to her.”

“I hope she didn’t get into too much trouble today,” I murmur, mesmerized by the scene in front of me.

She snickers. “I doubt it. Her father is a very sweet man, and he knows exactly how to deal with his daughter. I’m sure they had a reasonable, logical conversation.”

“We did,” a man says from behind us. It’s Mr. Adorable.

“Awe, Bailey, I was sure you did. She didn’t seem upset at all when you left. However, she was very repentant to Darren, and they all played nice together this afternoon.”

I can’t think of anything to say. His voice matches his slight frame so perfectly, and being up close to him for the first time, I can now see the cutest layer of freckles across his nose and cheeks. The man is beyond attractive. Ms. Sue keeps talking, so I glance down to make sure he really does have a ring, and yep, it’s still there. Damn.

“Hi, I’m Sydney’s dad, Bailey. You’re Todd’s father?” He’s soft-spoken, politely holding out his hand as he introduces himself.

Clearing my throat, I finally get it together. “Hi, Bailey. I’m Clark. It’s nice to meet you. Your daughter has my eternal devotion for being Todd’s protector.”

Bailey chuckles softly, a beautiful rose hue emerging from his neckline. “Yeah, sorry about that. She can be a little…”

“Fierce,” Ms. Sue says. “Your daughter is a fierce little firecracker. You just have to help her channel it, is all.”

He continues to laugh quietly as I look back at the kids. Almost to myself, I say, “Well, whatever it is, she’s bringing something out in my son I’ve been praying for.” Feeling the subtle squeeze of a hand on my arm, I look down into Ms. Sue’s kind eyes.

“He’s doing great, Clark. And he has a wonderful father. Don’t worry so much. He’s getting there.” A grin tips my lips at her praise seconds before the kids notice us.

“Dad!”

“Daddy!”

I barely have time to bend down to grab him before Todd’s jumping into my arms. He kisses my cheek before turning curious eyes to Sydney whose father has picked her up as well. “You call your daddy, Dad?” he asks her curiously.

She answers promptly, “Except when I’m tired or hurt. But we’re four now.”

My eyebrows rise on my forehead at her. Moving my eyes to Bailey, I mock-whisper, “Are you sure she’s four?”

He and Ms. Sue snicker as I focus back on the conversation between the children about dad versus daddy. She has a whole thought process that’s hysterical.

“Hey, little man?” I try getting Todd’s attention. When he doesn’t respond but remains transfixed by Sydney, I tickle his tummy and buzz his cheek.

“What, Dad?” he says on a giggle.

“Oh no. None of that. I’m still Daddy.”

He rolls his eyes at me before kicking to be set down. I put him down and watch as he and Sydney run for their cubbies to get their coats.

“We’d love to have Todd over one day for a playdate,” Bailey says as Ms. Sue wanders over to help the children. The “we” clutches my heart and I wonder who’s lucky enough to share this man’s life.

“I was going to suggest the same thing. Whatever is fine, although Todd has a few things I’ll have to tell you beforehand.” He nods his head for me to continue. “He’s no trouble, though, and based on his reaction to Sydney, I think he’d be fine. Maybe we could alternate houses.” I’d offer meeting somewhere and all going, but I’m really drawn to him, and I’m no homewrecker, plus, I really don’t want to watch him with whom I’m assuming is his husband based on how hard he’s pinging my gaydar.

“Well, Valentine’s Day is the day after tomorrow and we already have plans, so how about Friday night? We can firm something up when we pick them up from school on Friday.”

“Sounds perfect.”

We all finish gathering the kids’ things, and Todd runs back over to wrap around my legs as we watch them leave. Bailey listens intently as his daughter talks away as they exit the building together.

“That’s a good family,” Ms. Sue says as she walks back up to stand beside me. “Todd and Sydney interacting outside of school will be good for him.”

Turning to her, I thank her for all she’s done, and then holding Todd’s hand, I guide him to the car. I almost miss him saying, “I never had a playdate, Dad.”

“Hey, you. None of that Dad stuff,” I say, swinging him up to put him into his seat. As I nuzzle his neck before I put him down, I’m equal measures sad that I probably won’t be daddy as much anymore and happy that for the first time ever, my little man does indeed have a playdate.

Bernadette called this morning and asked if going to dinner at La Mensa was okay with me. I told her yes, although I’m not sure it’s the best choice for a kid Todd’s age, but I could hear the hopefulness in her voice, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. The whole day I felt like I was wandering around lost in my own mind, which isn’t the best thing when you work one on one with clients all day. More than once I was asked if I was okay. As I rush around trying to get us ready to go, my alert for an incoming text goes off on my cell phone.

Bernadette: Bring Snickers with you

Me: Are you sure? I’ll take him out before I come get you. He’ll be fine until we get back

Bernadette: No, bring him on over. Also, don’t forget Todd’s pajamas. See ya soon

Okay, well that’s odd. I’d already packed up Todd’s pajamas just in case we still watch a movie with Bernadette after going out to eat, but why she wants Snickers there when we won’t be home is weird. “Todd, you ready, little man? And grab Snickers’ leash, he’s going over with us.”

“Okay, Dad! Snickers, come on!” Todd screams even though the dog and I are both in the same room.

“Inside voice!” I yell.

“You’re yelling, too,” he fires back. Snickers jumps at his feet, yapping excitedly at all the noise.

When we finally make it next door and knock on the door, Bernadette answers in her housecoat and slippers. “Hey, Todd? You wanna have pajama night and watch movies? I got pizza, popcorn, some more of those juice boxes you like, and I made cookies.”

“Yay!” he whoops before running right by her into the house, leaving me on the porch utterly bewildered with a sixty-five-pound dog trying to pull me through the door after his bestie.

“Did you change your mind, Bernadette? I don’t mind staying in, but let me go change back into something more comfortable.”

“Oh no, dear. You’re going to La Mensa. We’re staying home.”

The mischievous smile on her face is freaking me out a little. “Why on earth would I go out to eat alone?”

“You won’t be alone. You have a date.”

Narrowing my eyes, I study her face trying to determine if she’s serious. Considering how pleased she looks with herself, I decide she must be. “Um. Who am I going on a date with?”

“Whoever that nice boy at Valentine’s Inc. found for you. I filled out the questionnaire online, but then I had a couple of questions so I called. He was so helpful. I didn’t tell him you weren’t with me while I filled it out, though. I told him you’re shy.” She giggles a little. “Okay, well, get going before you’re late to meet your date.”

“But Bernadette, Todd needs—”

She grabs Snickers’ leash and Todd’s bag with his pajamas out of my hand. “Go. You look very handsome, by the way. Now get going before your date thinks you’re rude.”

“Bernadette, I can’t just start dating. I have Todd to consider.”

“That’s right. You have Todd to consider, and you’re going to turn into a grumpy old man if you don’t get out there and start dating. Now hurry.”

Backing down her porch steps backward, I try to reason with her. “What kind of questions were on the questionnaire? How did you even know what to say?”

“Clark, you’ve been living next to me for years. I consider Todd another one of my grandsons, and you’re like a son to me. I think I’m capable of filling out a profile for you,” she says with a huff.

Not sure how to handle this, I turn my head between her and the car, weighing my options. “There’s nothing to think about, Clark. It’s all arranged and it’s too late to back out now. You’d leave some nice person waiting and that’s rude. Now shoo.”

I cross the yard and get into my car, contemplating if I’m really going to go. I’m sure the lady will be very nice, but I really prefer men. Bernadette’s never seen me with a man, so I’m not sure if she even knows that. Come to think of it, she’s never seen me date anyone, so how does she think she knows what I like? By the time I’m pulling into the restaurant parking lot, I’ve reasoned that it would be rude to just not show up. As I pick up my cell off the passenger seat, I notice one more text flashing.

Bernadette: Tell whoever’s working the host stand that it’s a reservation for two for Valentine’s Inc.