Chapter 20 Cherry

　　I rolled my eyes at his shifter joke but observed Fern’s disappointment fall over her face. 　　Trying to distract her, I suggested, “Bert heard about your Star of the Week Certificate. Want to go get it for him?” 　　Fern nodded, her dark eyes hovering hopefully on Bert as she smiled and shot off to get her award. My heart lurched in my chest as I contemplated that longing look on my little girl’s face. 　　I realized Bert was watching me closely. 　　“Sorry, it’s tough on her,” I said. “Sometimes, I wish she had more than me.” 　　Bert’s eyes were somber. “She does seem to really want a father figure. Have you…” He hesitated. “Are you seeing anyone?” 　　My stomach twisted uncertainly. I sighed. “I’m seeing someone, but it’s still early days. I’m still not sure how I feel about him, to be honest.” At the thought of Carl, I realized I should probably call him later, to let him know I’d be out of the city for a week. Especially given his declaration the other night. 　　Wanting to deflect the atte