Page 121 of A Little Naughty

“Alex has a garage apartment…” I start.

I was so upset with them last night, but now, standing here with the possibility they might be separated again, I realize how cruel it would be.

“You are all so kind.” Vivienne’s voice is gentle. “I have a job and a home in Toronto. I’m so happy I’ve finally found my Nika. I thank you so much for rescuing her. She must come back with me tomorrow. I have to return to work.”

My stomach pitches, and Nikki’s eyes widen as they meet mine. I swallow the lump in my throat, holding back the tears and forcing a smile. “Of course… We should have known you couldn’t stay. I did sort of… kidnap her, I guess.”

Vivienne takes my hand in both of hers. “I thank you so much for rescuing her. I will never forgive my friend for her lie.” She pulls me closer into a firm hug, and I bend my arms to pat her back. “You took care of her so well. You will always be part of our family.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, looking down as she lets me go.

The rest of the evening is less animated than the night before. We sit outside and eat hamburgers while Nikki plays with Porkchop, hugging him and patting his head. I can’t help thinking she’s not as happy as she seemed, but maybe it’s my own selfish thinking.

At bedtime, she comes to our room, tapping on the door before peeking her head inside.

“Hey, babe.” I walk over to her, and we hold hands as we sit on the bed.

“I’m sorry.” A tear is on her cheek, and I reach out to wipe it away.

“What are you sorry for?”

“When Monay told me to think of something I wanted, I thought of my mom. I didn’t know it would work. I didn’t believe the cards were magic, but they were. Now it’s all confused.”

She puts her head in my lap, and I lean forward, wrapping my arms over her shoulders. Raif steps out of the bathroom in his jeans and walks over to sit beside us. Our eyes meet, and his brow furrows.

“Shh, don’t cry…” I rub her back. “You never gave up on her. We talked about it, remember? You said you would never give up on her, and I said you didn’t have to. It’s a good thing.”

She sits up slowly, but her eyes stay on our clasped hands. “If it’s a good thing, why does it feel bad?”

I can’t answer that question. Reaching out, I hug her to me, and we hold each other. Raif wraps his arms around us both, and we’re a family of three for a little while longer.

* * *

The next morning,we take our time packing. Nikki’s clothes and things have grown from the small bag we had when we arrived in Eureka. She’s come out so much. Monay gives her one of her smallest designer bags to use.

“That way you’ll have to come back and return it,” she says, using a long nail to trace Nikki’s hair behind her ear.

“You’re definitely coming back for a visit.” I squeeze her to me. “And we’ll visit you.”

Piper and Adam stand back while Ryan and Owen say goodbye. Britt is beside me frowning as she bounces Bonnie on her shoulder. Cass even drove over with Pinky, but the pink tornado is more interested in Angie Dickinson.

The only problem is Porkchop. He jumps all around, wagging his butt and sitting for all of us to see. Nikki takes a knee and hugs him, and Owen joins her at his side.

“He might not be able to find stuff like Edward can, but he’s a good dog,” Owen says. “He’s pretty smart, even if he doesn’t understand how to shake.”

“He does shake,” Nikki argues, and on cue, Porkchop shakes his whole body for her. “He won’t understand why I’m not here,” she whispers, and my heart breaks a little more.

Raif looks at Vivienne, whose face is troubled as she watches the children. Gesturing to her, they step away from the group, and I squat beside Nikki, petting Porkchop’s head as well.

“I’m sure he’ll always remember you. Dogs are good that way.”

She nods quietly, and he licks the tear off her cheek.

“We’ll all play with him,” Ryan adds. “And we can send you videos all the time.”

When I look up, Raif and Vivienne are returning, and her face shines with relief.

“Hey, Nikki?” Raif puts his hand on her shoulder, and she looks up at him. “Would you like to take Porkchop with you to Toronto? It’s a long drive, but your mom thinks he can make it.”

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