Before Together After Forever

Chapter 9 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

Present day...

"Dad!" echoed the first thing I heard, followed by my not-so-little girl sliding down the banister to greet me. "Daddy!"

"I heard you the first time, Riley," I chuckled, planting a kiss on her cheek as she hugged me. "Good morning."

"So..." She started as she sat for breakfast.

"So..." I teased, pouring my coffee.

"Dad! What's the plan for our birthday? It's my sweet 16 and your 31st. It's your last official year on the calendar," she chirped between bites of toast.

"Riley, I know you and Aunty Ariel and Grandma have been planning. Just don't make it too wild and over the top."

"I won't. But really, what do you want to do? Grandma said everyone celebrated my 1st birthday, but your 16th was rushed," she sighed, glancing at me.

I could sense Riley's thoughts. "Baby girl, you were the best gift. My 16th birthday showed the world that despite being a single dad, rushing through university and working hard, I never forgot my biggest responsibility. Every birthday you have is a reminder I didn't mess up as much as I feared."

She hugged me tightly. "Thanks, Pops!"

"Now, come on, let's get you to school before you're late."

"If I had my own car..."

"Don't start, Riley. Those things are earned."

"I know! And I'll show you how I earned it at the Parent Teacher Conference next week."

"Deal?" I said, extending my pinky to her.

"Deal!" She hooked it with a smile.

Dropping Riley off at school, I spotted Ariel at the entrance. "Good morning, Mrs. Kent-Jordon. Aren't you on maternity leave?" I asked, concerned.

Ariel and Jordon, married for five years, were expecting their first child.

"I am, Mr. Trent, but the new Vice Principal starts today. Wanted to greet her myself. If you tell William I left, I'll tell him his favorite mixer stopped working," she teased.

"No secrets here," I said with a grin.

"Bye, R.J.!" she called as I drove off.

William, Ariel, and I remained close friends. William became a renowned chef, opening his restaurant after finishing culinary school. Ariel climbed the ladder to become the youngest principal at our alma mater. I built my career as an architect under Trent Industries.

Riley faced hurdles growing up, notably asking about her mother at ten. I shared the truth, and she went through a phase of resentment, but she understood later. Smart and self-motivated, at 16, she started her senior year aspiring to be a mechanical engineer. I'd back her in anything, just like my parents did for me.

Arriving at work, I handled designs, investments, and a business lunch swiftly. Glancing at car magazines, I knew Riley's dream of a car signified more than just driving; it marked her independence. She worked hard for her grades and would attend an out-of-state university soon. My daughter deserved the world, and I'd give it as long as I could breathe.