What we could've been

Hope is something special

I look down at my watch 12:30 hmm I guess he isn't coming . As I'm making my way to the door I see Charlie coming down the steps with Hope. Seeing her brings peace to my heart.

"Hey man! Sorry for being late. This little one didn't want to stay with her mom" he says setting Hope down and fixing her bow

I wish I could do that with my daughter

"Hey don't worry man it's okay. Plus I get to see this princess again" I say smiling

"Hi cowboy Luke!" She say as she run to hug my legs.

I felt an exploration of feelings. I looked down at her and I stare at her big emerald eyes. They might not be brown but oh how she looks like Riley.

"How are you princess?" I say as I bend down to met her gaze

"I'm doing good cowboy" she says smiling she just melts my heart

"She really like you. Your her hero since u saved her favorite princess " he says smiling

" yea! And my mommy said yes to!" She says clapping her hands

"Well thank you" I say as I tip my imaginary hat

"We should head inside its kinda cool" he says taking Hope hand and walking inside

We go and sit down at a table at the far end. We place are orders and the waiter brings Hope some crayons. I sit and stare at her. The way she cringes her brows, the way she colors with a smile. It's like I'm seeing Riley...

"So how has life been." Charlie asks making me move my gaze to him

"Pretty good I guess. I finished my Veterinary practice. Now I'm just waiting to start my job. " I say smiling

"Dude that great! You finally got your dream!" He says

I did but it cost me everything

"Yea but anyways how about you? How did sweet talker Charlie become a dad" I say as I look at him

He turns and looks at Hope " Her mom changed me without me even knowing and when Hope was born I felt this love that I cant describe"

"Must have been a fun adventure" I say as I sit back

He chuckles
" It was but boy did it take awhile to get to were we are now. It was really hard " he says meeting my gaze

"What do you mean" I ask siting up straight

He takes out his phone and some pink headphone

"Hey Hope do you wanna watch princess belle" he ask smiling

"Yyyyyaaaaaaayyyyyy! Yes daddy" Hope yells taking the phone from him. He gently helps her place they headphones and starts the movie. I watch as her eyes light up.

just like her

He turns back to face me
" I just didn't want her to hear.It's not a pleasant story" he says looking down

Curiosity was taking over me. I couldn't stop my self from asking

"Why?" I say as I took a sip of my coffe