#william steele

A baby sloth sleeps on its mother in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Sloths are common in Costa Rica, the forests are home to two of the world’s six sloth species, the brown-throated three-toed sloth and the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth

As I celebrate today, my mind goes to the sad fact that today should also mark my stepfather's 48th birthday, but he is not here to celebrate it with us.

The man who inspired William in the Lucky Penny and Second Chance at Love series should be 48. Instead, he is forever 39.

When they first dated in their teenaged years, my stepdad would tell my Mom: "I'm not making it to 40." To which she would hit him and say "Yes you are, you idiot."

Unfortunately, for one of the few times in his life, my stepdad would be correct and we lost him to Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2016, just one month and 3 days after his 39th birthday. He truly didn't make it to 40. He barely made it to 39.

Next month will be 9 years since that day, and somehow, next year will be a full decade. That doesn't seem right, and it's definitely not fair.

I hope he is having a wonderful birthday party wherever he is today, and I want everyone to know that William, his fictional counterpart, will be returning soon.

Delilah Shadley isn't sure she still believes in soulmates and true love. She has her daughter Baylie and that's all she needs anymore. Until one day she meets William Steele and it's like the universe is telling her that maybe just maybe she's getting a second chance.

Tagging the besties: @dragon-kazansky @starlit-epiphany @callmemana @mrsjaderogers @gracespicybradshaw @kloofspeaks @notyoursbutlewis @roosterscockpit @askmarinaandothers @ladylanera

-----

After that first meeting, it became a part of her week. Every Thursday she would leave work a little early and head to the bar for one drink while William got ready for the after work crowd. She enjoyed his company, but she hadn't told him yet that the reason she only had one drink was the little girl waiting for her. One Thursday her pager goes off, she barely checks it thinking it's one of her lawyers until she sees the babysitters code word.

"Can I borrow the phone?" She asked William hurriedly and he nods. He watches as she panic dialed a series of number and taps her foot waiting for an answer.

"Hey Sarah, what's wrong?"

"She threw up? Does she have a fever? Shit okay."

"Yeah I'll be right there."

She hangs the phone up and rushes back around the bar to gather her things.

"What's her name?"

Delilah pauses and looks at him, did she really want him to know? She has a quick battle in her mind before responding, "Baylie. Her name is Baylie."

"Well I hope she's okay."

She smiles lightly, "I think it's just her being dramatic and wanting her mommy."

"I don't blame her."

"Smooth."

"I'm trying my best Delilah."

"I'll see you next week."

As she reaches the door she looks back at William as he wipes down the bar, he's a good man she tells herself. But she isn't the only one she has to worry about, if she didn't have Baylie? She would've jumped him that first day. Now here they were weeks later and nothing more than friendly conversation and the occasional flirting. She makes her way to her car, she has to get to her daughter.

The separation anxiety started not long after the girl figured out her Dada wasn't coming back. Baylie hadn't even been a year old yet, but the girl was smart. Too smart, if you asked Delilah. It's why she only went to Sarah, an old trusted friend of Delilah's, to be watched while her mom went to work.

When the car pulls up Delilah sees Baylie sitting in the window, she waves as she gets out of the car.

"Mommy!" The girl squeals as she launched herself into her mother's outstretched arms.

"I'm sorry for calling you D. She just kept getting sick, and she feels a little feverish so I don't think she's just missing you." Sarah teases a little.

"It's okay, I missed my girl anyways." Delilah kisses her daughter's forehead before walking back down the driveway to their car. Baylie waves to Sarah from over her mom's shoulder.

"Did you miss me Baybay?"

Baylie nodded.

"I missed you too."

On the drive home she passes the bar, there aren't many more cars in the parking lot. She wonders if William is busy, if she walked in with Baylie if he would want to meet her. Is that even what she wanted? She wasn't sure.

Jerald "Jerry" Coleman had done a number on her heart, and for two years now it had been just her and the tiny human they'd created together. They'd met in college through a mutual friend, at a party. Not even three months later they'd gotten that positive pregnancy test and their lives changed trajectory forever. Delilah hadn't wanted kids, well not until she was established in her career and married. But when they placed Baylie in her arms for the first time? Her entire life made sense, that everything she had ever done led her to that tiny bundle of pink.

They'd made it work for about six months, but she could feel him pulling away from them. They were young, still in school, barely making it by.

Baylie had just turned ten months when he up and left. He'd gotten his degree and left them both in the dust. Delilah had cried, but only when her daughter was asleep. She refused to cry in front of Baylie, her daughter would only see her as strong.

They got home and Baylie was still not feeling the greatest so Delilah gave her a quick bath then got her wrapped up in her favorite pj's, the blanket with Barbie on it, and the stuffed bunny she had gotten last Easter that she adored.

Then the two cuddled on the couch instead of getting anything done. Delilah brought home more than she wanted to, but trying to make her way in the world of lawyers was hard when you were the only single parent. Baylie was fast asleep in her arms, and though she knows her child is a heavy sleeper she doesn't move her just yet. She holds her a little tighter, one day she will be too old to cuddle with her Mommy and stuffed bunny. So for now, Delilah took all the snuggles she could get, falling asleep herself.

-----

Across town, at his bar William was trying his best to get the pretty lawyer out of his head. He knew now that she had a kid, a daughter. He figured there had to be something about the woman who came in every Thursday, he expected a husband though he never saw a ring.

He definitely hadn't seen kid being the secret. He had watched as her face changed as she talked to whoever had her kid. When she heard she was sick.

"You thinking about your ghost girl?" Leah, his fellow bartender asked teasing.

"I swear she's real Leah, and I found out more about her today. She has a kid."

"A kid? Damn I don't think the legend said anything about the lovers having a kid." She laughs.

"Are you done now?"

"Nope." Leah pops the "p".

When William bought the building he had learned all about the legends of the two lovers who supposedly haunted the place. His realtor had even tried to persuade him to pick any other building for his bar and pool hall. But he just felt drawn to the building, plus the fact that there was an apartment above it had helped his decision. No need to buy a house when you can just buy an entire building instead. He fixed it up nicely, and he was making his place in this town. Of course, it hadn't been more than a few weeks after opening that he met Delilah and now he couldn't get her out of his mind.

She was beautiful, funny (though she had a very dry sense of humor), smart, and personable. He knew she was a lawyer, but not a partner because the men she worked with made her do scut work, he knew she always had at least two romance novels in the briefcase she carried everywhere. He knew that she only drank one Coors bottle every Thursday night while sitting at his bar. And now? He knew she had a daughter. A daughter named Baylie. Was that a deal breaker? He wasn't sure.

-----

When Delilah woke up, the weight of her child laying on her organs was a friendly reminder that she wasn't alone. She kisses her daughter's cheek before moving her enough to get out from under her. She re-tucked Baylie and her bunny in with the blanket and headed to the bathroom.

She looked in the mirror as she washed her hands. She couldn't get involved with William, she decided that. She couldn't parade a man around Baylie, she wouldn't do it to her girl. She needed stability, she needed her Mom to be a good role model, and she needs to see her Mom be strong.

"She also deserves to see her Mom happy, and you deserve to be happy." Delilah thinks.

But no, she would stop going out on Thursday afternoons, she'd pick Baylie up from Sarah earlier and take her to the park or the zoo or anywhere else she couldn't think of right now.

-----

William finally locked up the bar at three in the morning and turned down the lights as he headed up the staircase to the apartment. He took a quick shower to get the smell of alcohol off of him and as he stood in the mirror he decided it wasn't a deal breaker. He hadn't ever thought about having kids, but a kid couldn't be too hard, right? He was practically a babysitter to drunk adults seven nights a week, right?

Next Thursday, he would tell her that. That he wanted to see where this went, that maybe it could end up being something awesome. He would even get a stuffed animal or something for Baylie to prove how serious he was.

-----

Of course, fate would make it where it would be a few weeks before their paths crossed again.

A/N: Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers, this blurb idea hit me like a train yesterday. It was quite emotional for me to write, and I hope that translates well.

Tagging my babes: @dragon-kazansky @gracespicybradshaw @mrsjaderogers @cycbaby @askmarinaandothers @callsignscupcake @callmemana @kloofspeaks @notyoursbutlewis @milesdickpic @callsignthirsty @likelyrowdy @starlit-epiphany

-----

Baylie was frustrated to say the least, it was Valentine's Day and she didn't want to give all her classmates a card. Most of them are mean to her. She had Katie's written out already and she didn't know why she had to do anymore.

"You look deep in thought there pumpkin." William said to his little girl.

"Why do I have to give everyone a card for Valentine's Day?"

"Because it's the nice thing to do."

"What if I don't wanna be nice?"

William tries hard not to laugh, "you are a nice girl though, remember?"

Baylie thought it over, and slowly nodded.

"What if I help you fill the others out?"

"Okay daddy."

His heart melted a little, he could never get tired of her calling him that. He would move mountains for his little girl, DNA be damned. William never pictured having kids, but here he was at seven in the morning helping his daughter with Valentines. They had the cards filled out in no time, and it was off to school for the kiddo.

"I'll see you later at your party pumpkin." He yelled out as she ran to the doors of the school.

True to his word, around one o'clock he was in her classroom that was decorated in cute little hearts. He nibbled on a heart shaped sugar cookie and drank punch out of a tiny heart shaped cup.

Cards were passed out, candy was consumed, and soon it was dismissal time.

"Wait, Daddy, I have something for you!" Baylie exclaimed. She went into her desk and pulled out a handmade card, and handed it to him.

On the front were 3 stick figures, labeled Mommy, Daddy, Baylie. Inside said "I love you Daddy." With a big, roughly drawn heart.

To: Dad

From: Baylie

He didn't cry easy, but damn if he didn't sniffle a little.

"I love it pumpkin." He said when he was sure his voice wouldn't betray him.

She hugs him tight.

"I love you too Daddy!"

They walk out of the school hand in hand.

-----

When William died, Lucky never imagined another man would fill the Dad-sized hole he had left in her heart. Until Ice came along.

The first time she had accidentally called Ice "Dad" she had walked away and cried. She felt like she had betrayed William by doing so.

She calls her Mom, tells her what she did. She expects tears, anger, anything. What she gets is comforting words and warmth. She is told William would be happy she found someone she trusts with that name. She is told to not cry, that it's alright.

It takes her awhile to warm up to the idea, afraid of hurting feelings, even her own.

She finds the old Valentine's card she handed William all those years ago in her memory box. Time has faded it, but the heart is there and so is the little stick family.

She gets an idea, and rushes to the store. It's last minute she knows, especially as she fights the crowd of people who also waited until the last minute. She finds a card that fits his personality and hopes he will appreciate the humor.

She knocks on his office door.

"Come in."

"Hey Ice!"

"Hey Lucky, it's good to see you." He smiles brightly at her.

"I got you something." She says, the card behind her back.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Oh but I did." She hands him the card.

To: Dad

From: Lucky

Ice doesn't speak for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He gets up and hugs the girl tight.

"I love it Lucky."

"I love you too, Dad."

It doesn't hurt rolling off her tongue, like it was meant for him to get that title.

Two extraordinary men, and she's the lucky one that gets to love them both at very different times of her life. ❤️

-----

Delilah Shadley isn't sure she still believes in soulmates and true love. She has her daughter Baylie and that's all she needs anymore. Until one day she meets William Steele and it's like the universe is telling her that maybe just maybe she's getting a second chance.

Tagging the besties: @dragon-kazansky @starlit-epiphany @callmemana @mrsjaderogers @gracespicybradshaw @kloofspeaks @notyoursbutlewis @roosterscockpit @askmarinaandothers @ladylanera

-----

The next time William sees Delilah, it's in the most romantic place ever, the grocery store. She's standing in the snack aisle trying to negotiate with a tiny terrorist.

"I'm a fan of Nilla wafers myself." He says, and two sets of green-grey eyes land on him.

"Oh hi." Delilah manages to get out before turning back to where Baylie is sitting in the cart. "Honey, I know you want both the Goldfish and the Oreos but we gotta pick one."

Baylie is too busy staring at the man who had the audacity to interrupt her tantrum. Tiny eyebrows furrowed and a slight pout on her lips.

"I'm telling you Nilla wafers is the way to go."

Delilah turns back to him, lips in a line. "Can I help you?"

"Why don't you come in on Thursdays anymore?"

"I've been a little busy, now if you don't mind my child is making a very important decision."

It's his turn to raise an eyebrow, "an important decision?"

Delilah sighs, "Baylie has some anxiety, making decisions is hard for her because of it. But we are working on it aren't we Bay?"

Baylie nods, eyes not leaving the man.

"I'm William, it's nice to meet you Baylie. How old are you?"

The girl raises three fingers.

"Three? You're so old!" He teases and that causes the girl to smile.

Delilah watches the interaction carefully, Baylie doesn't do well with new people especially men. But her little girl seems to be doing just fine so far.

"So Oreos or Goldfish huh?"

"Yea." Baylie said, her little voice was soft and sweet.

"What are you thinking?" William says getting to eye level with her.

"Goldfish are good, but Oreos are more gooder."

"So do you want the Oreos?"

"But what if the Goldfish get mad I didn't pick 'em?" She asks, tearing up a little.

Delilah takes a step forward, "Hey its okay honey, they won't be mad at you."

The girl sniffles but she doesn't let any tears fall. William is both impressed and terrified at how strong this three year old appeared to be.

"Oreos mommy."

"Okay baby, let's get the Oreos. Can you say thank you to Mr. William?"

"Thank you." She whispers.

"Will I see you Thursday?" He asks as she starts to walk away.

She turns and smiles at him, "maybe you will."

-----

By the time Thursday rolled around William was practically dying. The clock was moving far too slow for his liking. When it hit two o'clock and she still wasn't there he was a little disappointed, so he went back to prepping the glasses for the rush.

The bell dings and when he looks up he can't help but smile a little. There was the pretty lawyer, and the little girl he'd met in the snack aisle.

"Mr. William!" The girl smiled up at him as she runs behind the bar to greet him.

"Baylie." Her mom set their stuff down in two barstools. "I'm sorry about her, she's been talking about this all week."

William reaches down to see if the little girl will let him pick her up, she does and he sets her up on the bar.

"I didn't think you were going to show up, you're late."

"I had to pick up someone before I could come over. She wasn't letting me come alone to see Mr. William again." Delilah smiled at her daughter who was looking around the bar with wide eyes.

"Is that right little one?" He asked Baylie, tickling her sides a little.

"My oreos were good, and the goldfish weren't mad at me!"

"I'm happy to hear that." He smiled at her, still not realy understanding why the goldfish were going to be mad at the girl but played along anyways.

They talked for awhile, longer than they usually did because Delilah didn't have to leave right away. Her reason for leaving was sitting there on the bar between them as they talked, until she decided she wanted to sit in her momma's lap instead. She closed her eyes, and when Delilah saw the time she was shocked they had been sitting there for two hours already.

"You're probably close to being busy, we should go."

"Can I ask you something, if it's too personal you can tell me to get lost."

Delilah knew where he was going so she spared him the trouble, "he walked away before she turned a year old, that's why I'm a single mom and why my three year old has such crippling anxiety that most adults couldn't handle."

"Is that why she thinks the goldfish would have been mad at her?"

Delilah nodded, "She doesn't like the idea of leaving things behind, like she was. That's what the therapist says anyways. I wish I knew what was actually going on in her brain." She brushes the hair from Baylie's forehead, the girl content in her arms.

"She's really cute." He says.

"I might be biased but I think she's pretty cute too."

"Do you want to go on a date with me?"

"Yes."

"I can pick you up Saturday, around six. I can try and get us reservations at that nice Italian place a few blocks over."

"Oh, so a fancy date?" Delilah bit her lip.

William can't help but chuckle a little, "yes, a fancy date, only the best for the pretty lawyer."

Delilah blushes, then stands up.

"I'll see you Saturday, I need to get this one home before your crowd shows up."

He watches as she walks away, her little girl fast asleep in her arms.

-----

Saturday rolls around and when he parks in front of the small house he can't help but smile.  Delilah seemed very put together at all of their meetings. Her nice clothes, her hair done up, just enough makeup to highlight her features, briefcase organized perfectly. But her front lawn? Clearly Baylie had total domain there. A tricycle lay on its side, a hula hoop was chilling on the front steps, and the sidewalk was decorated in chalk drawings. When he rang the doorbell, he also hadn't expected for that same little girl to answer the door wearing a Disney princess dress, or at least he assumed it was a Disney princess dress. That's what three year old girls liked right?

"Why hello Baylie."

"Hi Mr. William." Baylie said shyly, as if she just hadn't opened the door, she steps aside enough for him to come in.

"Where's your Mom?"

"Doing her makesup."

He sits down on the couch, and she follows him climbing up herself. The TV was on some kid show, he wasn't sure what the hell it was.

"Do you like my mommy?"

The question comes out of left field, and it takes William a few seconds to recover from his shock.

"I do like your mommy."

"Will you ever..."

She doesn't get to finish her question, because her Mom walks in, he takes the sight of her in. She's wearing a nice, red dress that stopped mid-thigh, black pantyhose, and her black pumps. Her dirty blonde hair was up in a twist and she was wearing more makeup than usual. She was simply stunning.

"Sorry, I lost track of time." She says sheepishly.

"Hey its okay! I hung out with this one  instead."

"Speaking of, can we drop her off at Sarah's on our way to the restaurant? I was going to run her over before you got here and well..."

"That's no problem."

Once Baylie was at the babysitters, they headed to the restaurant to start their date both feeling more than a little nervous. They order a bottle of wine and some appetizers before falling into comfortable silence.

"So, how about the weather?" Delilah asks between sips of wine, realizing how silly that sounded.

"It's been very nice lately." William responds, not missing a beat.

"I'm sorry I haven't been on a date in forever."

"Hey its okay, usually my dates are drunk women who flirt with me for free drinks."

Delilah laughs, and he decides he likes the way it sounds alot, even after she snorts.

They swap stories for a little bit, as their food arrives at the table.

"So what's the most interesting case you've had?"

"I haven't worked a murder case if that's what you're asking."

"Well damn."

She laughs again.

"Well, to answer your question, right after I started at the firm we had this case. Local school teacher, he'd been embezzling funds from the fundraisers the school was putting on to do some upgrades. He denied it vehemently but his fancy house and car said otherwise."

"Okay that sounds badass though, I bet you are amazing when you're in lawyer mode."

A faint blush spreads across her cheeks.

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What made you want to open a bar?"

"I'm the family fuck up." He chuckles lightly before continuing, "my parents are old money, I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where my dad was a hot shot doctor and my mom was the stereotypical stay at home mom. I have an older brother, who followed in Dad's footsteps, is married, has a couple kids. The golden son. So they always assumed I'd do the same, jokes on them though. My grandfather passed away two years ago and left me quite a chunk of money. I decided to use that, move out of the city for good and run my own bar instead of someone else's."

"I think that's really brave, to not do what they wanted for you."

"Would you say that if Baylie did it to you?"

At the mention of her daughter's name he sees her face light up.

"Oh that girl won't do a single thing I tell her to do. She's stubborn and strong willed already."

"You light up when you talk about her."

"I do not!"

"I meant it as a compliment, I think it's precious. You should be proud, she's a pretty cute kid and her Mom seems really amazing."

"She's my whole world, it's just been me and her now for two years."

"You don't have family around here?"

Delilah shakes her head and takes another sip of wine.

"You aren't the only family fuck up sitting at this table."

"So you're telling me I can't be the number one fuck up here?"

Delilah smiles at him, "I don't know about that."

"How badly did you fuck up?"

"I was told my whole life that all I could ever hope for was to marry a doctor or a lawyer and be their little wife. I decided to become the lawyer instead. Then the icing on the cake was getting pregnant out of wedlock while in college. They live less than an hour away and barely see their granddaughter because they are so disappointed in me."

"They are missing out on a pretty awesome pair of ladies."

That blush comes across her cheeks again.

"Tell me more about her, Baylie that is."

"She's a little firecracker and right now she thinks she's a mermaid."

"Let me guess, she's not a mermaid?"

"She hasn't grown a tail yet."

The two laugh together.

"She's a really good kid, I couldn't ask for a better baby. I just hate that she's growing up without a support system or a real family. It's just me, her, and my friend Sarah really."

They fall back into casual conversation after that, William decided he didn't like the fact that little Baylie didn't have many people in her corner either.

At the end of the night, when they picked up a sleepy Baylie from Sarah on their way back to Delilah's house they'd both decided they wanted a second date. William carried the now sleeping girl to the front door so Delilah didn't have to. Delilah decided she liked the idea of seeing this man with her daughter. He was gentle with her, he could make her laugh, and she trusted him. Baylie never warmed up to men well, not since the one who was supposed to love her forever decided forever wasn't for him. William liked knowing the girl trusted him enough to let him carry her. He was growing to the idea of having a kid around, especially if it was this kid with her mom.

He set Baylie down on the couch, before moving back towards the door.

"Thank you for tonight." Delilah says, covering her daughter up.

"No thank you, for deciding to have your mental breakdowns in my bar."

She punches his arm lightly.

"Seriously, Delilah, thank you for walking into my bar that day."

"I'm glad I did too."

He let her lean in first, and they kissed sweetly and softly, tongues both tasting of wine. They pull apart, with goofy little smiles on both of their faces. They lean in for another kiss when a little voice comes from behind them.

"Bye bye Mr. William."

"I guess that's my cue to leave." He laughed, gave Delilah another peck on the lips before opening the door. "I'll see you Thursday right?"

Delilah Shadley isn't sure she still believes in soulmates and true love. She has her daughter Baylie and that's all she needs anymore. Until one day she meets William Steele and it's like the universe is telling her that maybe just maybe she's getting a second chance.

A/N: this is the first part of just a handful of chapters about Delilah and William aka the poor couple who raised our favorite hot mess, Lucky.

Tagging my babes: @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers @gracespicybradshaw @callmemana @askmarinaandothers @starlit-epiphany @ladylanera

-----

"I'll have my findings on your desk before end of day tomorrow." Delilah slammed the phone down and ran a hand through her hair. She'd gone to law school, just the same as these jackasses but they still bossed her around as if her law degree meant nothing.

She looked at the clock on the wall, the babysitter still had Baylie for two hours. Her sweet girl who just turned three a few months prior. The picture on her desk was from the birthday party, the mermaid theme was evident. That was all Baylie talked about these days, how she was actually a mermaid. Delilah smiled, being a single mom was not in her life plans but she'd never dream of trading her daughter for the world even though they'd definitely hit the three-nager years and the sass was very strong.

She turned off her computer and started to pack up, there was that new bar the opened up in town. She'd stop and have a quick drink before picking Baylie up she decided. She'd earned it this week, the cases she was assisting on were not their normal workload. Plus, she would be supporting a local business and she decided that was her good deed for the day.

When she parked, she noticed that there was only three other cars in the small parking lot. It was still early on a Thursday she supposed but she walked in anyways. The bar was nice inside, Delilah was impressed, ever since she'd moved here for college this building had been abandoned. Her roommates used to sneak in because it was supposedly haunted by jilted lovers. Delilah never joined them, mainly because the thought of being stuck together for entirety with someone who did her wrong sounded like hell.

The bar was empty, but a small group of men were playing pool at one of the many tables. She took a seat at the bar and pulled her book out of her briefcase, if she had to wait to be served she'd at least find out if the couple in her book would ever admit their feelings for one another.

That's when the door to the back opened and a man came out carrying boxes of booze. She looked up briefly and had to take a double check. He was attractive, of that she was quite sure. Even the little of his face she could see from above the boxes.

"What can I get the prettiest woman I've ever seen in this bar?" The man asked and she couldn't help but smile he was definitely attractive now that the boxes were out of the way.

"I'll take a Coors Light, bottle please and my name is Delilah. But prettiest woman ever is a nice nickname."