The Red Headed Stepdad: An interesting storyline of a stepdad and his stepdaughter

By Avery Rylan

An interesting storyline of a stepdad and his stepdaughter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Dec 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781922355546

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

So, are you scared? Lisa grinned up at Derek. The red-haired man shook his head but the nervous look in his eyes said otherwise. Lisa chuckled and she leaned up and patted his chest. She was quite small at 5’2 next to his 5’11 frame. Come on, let’s go in. Jackie gets quite restless when I’m out of her sight for too long.

Sure… Derek swallowed hard, still rooted to the spot on the curb in front of the two-story suburban home which had a crowded backyard and a four year old party in full swing at that moment.

Isn’t this cute? You, a cop are not afraid to run down a dark alley after a suspect wielding a weapon but you’re afraid to meet a four year old kid? Come on, babe, you don’t have to be so worried. Hey, you brought up three boys, you’re a natural.

Key word there, boys, she’s a girl, Derek said softly, his large green eyes fixated on the front door of the house.

Lisa smiled softly, If you’re not ready, babe, I’ll understand. You don’t have to do this if you aren’t.

Derek pulled Lisa into his arms and said, I’m ready for this, babe, believe me. It’s just this is your daughter, I really want her to like me.

And she will. You’re amazing, Lisa winked.

Derek chuckled as he nuzzled her nose with his. True that. Well, getting you to give me a chance was not an easy feat. I should expect the same from your little one, right?

Lisa laughed and she pulled out of his hold. She took one of his hands in hers, Come on.

They stepped onto the back porch and Derek’s eyes widened as he looked over the backyard, at all the kids running around and the adults who were in clusters, cradling their plastic cups filled with adult ‘punch’. Being a father to two sixteen year olds and an eighteen year old, it had been so long he had been around kids and he felt really nervous. He didn’t even hear Lisa telling him that she was going to go search for Jacqueline, her daughter.

Derek stepped into the backyard, his eyes flitting around when suddenly, he saw a kid who was running towards him fall. He stepped forward to help the girl up when another girl with long chestnut hair jumped out of the bouncy castle and ran to help the girl up. A smile lit up his face as he watched the girl help the other kid up and brushed the dust off her dress. The nice gesture of the kid touched his heart and helped get rid of a little of his unease.

Just then, the kid looked towards him and he found himself staring into large hazel eyes. She suddenly smiled and he found himself smiling back. She ran towards, him, her ponytail bouncing against her back.

Mommy! she called. She ran past Derek and he looked after her to find her being pulled into a hug by Lisa.

Hi baby, having fun? Lisa asked as she let her go. Derek walked towards them and Lisa’s smile widened when she saw him and she straightened up. Jackie, I want to introduce you to someone. This is Derek. He’s a friend of mine.

Jacqueline turned around and tilted her head as she stared up at Derek. You are tall… she drawled.

He chuckled and he nodded. Now, that’s very true. I am tall. It’s really nice to meet you Jackie. Your mom has told me so much about you.

Jacqueline crossed her arms as she stared at him, tapping one of her little feet. She turned to her mother and then back to him. She stretched out her hands and said, You’re tall. Please help me into the playhouse.

Playhouse? Derek asked as he turned to Lisa.

Lisa pointed out a tall stilted building at the center of the backyard. There was a slide on one end and a ladder on the other. Judging from the way the wooden steps were set apart, it was obvious it was for the older kids. But at that moment, the little ones were being supervised by their parents.

Please be careful! Lisa called after them.

Derek could not reply as Jacqueline was already hurrying through the crowd. When they got there, she turned to him and announced, Swings next. She pointed at the swing and then, raised her hands so he could lift her up.

Not capable of suppressing the smile