“Because you’ve already been hurt enough.”
“Dad, you need to move on. Find yourself a girlfriend. You deserve to be happy, too.”
“With seven kids? I’d need to put up a warning sign.”
“Dad!” Rachel laughed.
“I’m kidding, sweetheart. I’m happy right here with you.”
I did attempt dating occasionally, but most women lost interest after learning I had seven children.
I never married again.
Instead, I concentrated on earning a living, while the children contributed however they could.
“Dad, I’ll photograph your furniture,” Rachel offered.
“And I’ll build you a website,” Nathan added.
“Will that bring customers?”
“Only if your chairs stop looking haunted.”
Their efforts worked, and eventually I established my own restoration workshop.
I created handmade gifts for every birthday. When Sophie turned twelve, I restored an antique wooden desk she’d admired for months.
“You’re still worried she won’t like it?” Rachel asked.
