Gabriel

Nine

"Daddy, we go see?"

Gabriel forced a smile while nodding at his precious girl. "Yes, baby. You'll get to sit tight and see."

Melody clapped and threw her popcorn in the air. "Yay! I play too?"

Her joy eased his anxiety.

Mrs. Lyza was sick and he didn't have a backup sitter because he didn't need one.

And he didn't trust anyone with his daughter other than Mrs. Lyza.

"No, it's too dangerous for you. When you get older, I promise to let you play,"

"Yay!"

He took a slow breath and counted down from ten.

He didn't like sudden changes. He didn't do well with them. He liked order.

Mrs. Lyza getting sick was out of order.

"Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He's done," He sang the scripture lullaby song that Melody often listened to.

"And the peas of God!" She cheered. "Peas, Daddy!"

Out of the mouth of babes, indeed.

He chuckled, blowing away his anxiety. "That's right, precious. Peace of God. His peace will surpass my anxiety if I believe,"

"I love Daddy,"

His heart.

"I love you more, my love."

He'd be alright.

-

Coach Destiny played peek-a-boo with Melody as Gabriel reluctantly put on his shoes.

"Are you sure?"

Coach Destiny waved his hand and poked Melody's cheek, making her giggle. "You didn't need to come, Gabriel. You know it's okay for you to miss practice." He made a silly face at Melody. "She'll have fun with me and you get to practice. Or I can send you home. It's up to you,"

Gabriel smiled a little at Coach Destiny's kindness towards Melody.

The man was good, but Gabriel knew not to assume good people always liked children or even cared for them.

Coach Destiny not only liked Melody, but he was willing to be responsible for her for the next four hours.

"I appreciate this, sir. I would've sat in the stands with her and watched," Gabriel confessed. "She has her snacks and toys in her backpack." He unzipped her back. "Yeah, juice boxes and water too, she's easy to please. Um," He sighed, thinking of what else to say.

Coach Destiny laughed, placing his hand on his shoulder. "It's been twenty years since Jaleesa was this small, but I'll enjoy myself with your little lady. Don't worry. I'd like to think she's in good hands, without being cocky," He winked.

"You're good with her, I just," Gabriel blew out a breath. "She's always with Mrs. Lyza or me."

Melody gasped softly. "Peas, Daddy."

Peace.

He took her from Coach Destiny and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for the reminder, baby. Daddy will have peace," He held her closely and breathed in. "Be good for Coach Destiny."

Melody nodded puckering her lips. "Be good." She kissed him with a dramatic smack and giggled. "Play, Daddy!"

He laughed feeling at ease and handed her back to Coach Destiny. "God knew who I needed. She's my whole heart, Coach."