Page 55 of Destiny

“She’s all good,” she reported one day after stopping at my house.

“Great. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

I smile. “Well, maybe not for you. But you’re not like most people.”

“What do you mean?”

“Taking care of your boyfriend’s ex-wife’s mother? I don’t think ever girl would be so open to that.”

“Really? Hm.”

“Yes, really. You’re amazing. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Hey, do you want to have dinner at my place tonight?” I ask.

“Sure!”

“I’ll cook.”

“Oh . . .”

I put down the document in my hands. “Hey! I’ve gotten a little better, have I not?”

“I was just kidding. You definitely have.”

“Great. So, we’ll meet up after work.”

“Sounds good! And I’m picking Aurora and Alessia up from school today, right?”

“Yes, if that’s still okay.”

“Yep.”

When the end of the day comes, I go to the grocery store to get the ingredients. But when I make it home, Bea is already there with my daughters, and she’s reading a story to them and Carolina on the couch.

“Daddy!”

“Hey, angels! How was your day?”

“Good.”

“What about you, Caroline?”

“I was bored. She won’t let me watch TV.” She’s pointing at Bea.

“Well, I’m sorry. I read that it might be too much stimulation for your brain as you heal.”

Caroline just continues to pout.

But Bea comes over and gives me a quick hug before snooping in the bags I brought home. She has the top of her hair pinned up with a clip, and her natural flowery fragrance is the perfect thing to come home to.

“What are you making?”

“It’s a surprise.”

---