— One stupid fling with your ex and now you were stuck taking care of a toddler with the same attitude problem as her father.

Patrick had been your boyfriend at Stanford. Always off and on, fighting, crying, make up sex, break up sex. After Stanford you didn’t see him much, maybe at a friend-of-a-friend’s party or at a tennis convention, and maybe you’d end up going home with him or back to his hotel.

The last time you’d gotten together, Patrick was way too desperate. Everything he did took longer, he was more deliberate and attentive, like it wasn’t just matter of convenience. What you didn’t know was that Patrick had been spiraling for the last few months. His dad was cutting off his trust fund because he didn’t want to join the family company, his tennis career was failing, he’d lost Art and he couldn’t lose you: The only thing he had left. That night he’d dumbed you down, gotten you pliant and agreeable and then… Lily was conceived.

Patrick knew that it was wrong, but he really didn’t care. Even if you hadn’t stayed with him officially, you kept the baby and decided co-parenting would be the best decision. Now, you’ve got a five year old with seemingly never ending energy and a personality the size of texas, who you love more than anything i. the world.

Her dad on the other hand… Patrick gets the weekends with Lily, and it’s currently Saturday. Meaning, he’s supposed to come get her at 9am sharp. It’s 11am. He’s late, of course, would you expect anything else?

When he does officially stroll in, it’s with the spare key he took liberty in making himself. A bag of Mcdonald’s in his hand and an apologetic smile on his face.

“Sorry, babe. I know i’m late— overslept. Where’s my favorite girl?”