Life of Harlow

New Year's Kiss

Liam

Tonight was my family annual New Year's Eve party and for the first time in 5 years, I have a date. What a year it's been. I've felt myself grow closer to Harlow and finally feel like I'm getting the hang of raising a teenage daughter. I'm doing something I've always dreamed of, coaching. The cherry on top, McKenzie.

Since we started dating a couple of months ago, we've pretty much become inseparable. We have weekly solo dates and even have gone as far as to include Harlow and Trevor over the last month. Harlow really likes her. Talks about her quite a bit and they've hung out on their own time.

Before I ask McKenzie to officially be my girlfriend, I want to talk to Harlow to see if she was really on board. Yes, the final decision was mine, but I wouldn't blindside her. I don't like when she does it with me which is why I set the example that I do.

Just because she's my child doesn't  mean that I can't give her the respect I'd expect to receive. Plus, this decision doesn't just affect my life, it affects hers as well. Kenz will be around way more and our lives will begin to mesh together more than they already have.

"Dad!" I heard Harlow call out.

"Closet!"

I was putting on my cufflinks when she came in. I caught her reflection in my full length mirror.

"You look beautiful, baby girl."

She smiled.

"Thanks, you clean up nice yourself. Almost ready?"

I nodded as I chose a watch and slid on my shoes.

Taking another look at Harlow, unnoticed her hair was pulled back. She had on an emerald green, high/low dress and was holding her heels and matching purse in her hands. She had went and picked out a dress with McKenzie. They had an entire girl's day one day after school before the holiday break filled shopping and whatever else. Just last week they went to get manis and pedis together.

We had fallen into a routine. I'd have Trevor at practice and take him home and Kenz had Harlow. Kenz would cook, the four of us would have dinner together, and then Harls and I would head home.

Even though she was spending a lot of time with Kenz, I made it a priority for us to have daddy-daughter time on Sunday's before family dinner. I let her choose what we did. I just wanted our solo time together, to pick her brain, and to make sure I was still in the loop.

"I want to talk to you about something," I said.

She looked at me and raised her hands.

"I swear, I didn't do anything."

I chuckled.

"I know you didn't. I want to talk to you about me and McKenzie."

She frowned.

"Is it bad?"

"No, not at all. I just want to solidify things with her. You know, ask her to officially be my girlfriend. What do you think?"

She started cheesing.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I'm going to ask her tonight."

"Aww, dad, that's so cute."

I playfully rolled my eyes at how dramatic she was being.

"So..."

"She make you happy?"

"Very."

"I'll still be your #1?"