Page 12 of Valley

“Let me get Ellie cleaned up and ready,” I said, standing and lifting her from the highchair. “You finish your breakfast.”

As I got Ellie ready, my thoughts drifted to Jarrod. Tonight, I’d be dancing, knowing he was watching. The anticipation made my heart race. Before, I hadn’t known he was there until I was on stage, but tonight was different. The thought of his eyes on me excited me in a way I couldn’t deny.

Oh, what that man did to me.

Dad wheeled himself into the living room, turning on the TV to his favorite morning news show. The familiar drone of the anchors’ voices filled the room, providing a comforting background noise. Ellie, now clean and dressed in her favorite pink outfit, toddled over to him, her face lighting up as he lifted her onto his lap.

“Looks like someone’s ready for an adventure,” Dad said, grinning down at her. Ellie squealed in delight, clapping her hands.

I watched them, my heart swelling with love. Despite the hardships, moments like these made everything worthwhile. Dad’s resilience and Ellie’s innocent joy were my anchors, keeping me grounded every day.

After I cleared the dishes and prepared Ellie’s bag with snacks, toys, and her favorite blanket. Dad was already chatting animatedly with Ellie, pointing out things on the TV screen and making her giggle.

“Alright, you two,” I said, placing the bag over the handle of his chair. “Ready for your day out?”

Dad nodded, maneuvering his wheelchair with practiced ease. “We’ll be just fine. Don’t worry about us.”

“I know you will,” I replied, leaning down to kiss Ellie’s cheek. “Have fun, sweetheart.”

As they left, I took a moment to savor the quiet. The apartment felt empty without Ellie’s chatter and Dad’s steady presence, but it was also a rare moment of peace. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Tonight was going to be different with Jarrod’s presence, and I needed to get my mind in order.

The hours at the studio flew by. Janice was in a good mood, and the students were eager and energetic. By the time I wrapped up the last class, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I changed quickly, eager to get home and spend some time with Dad and Ellie before heading to the club.

When I walked through the door, the smell of Dad’s cooking greeted me. His meals were simple, but they were made with love, and that made all the difference. Ellie was already seated at the table, babbling about her day at the park.

“We had a great time,” Dad said, dishing out plates of spaghetti. “Ellie played with some other kids, and Tom says hello.”

“This smells great,” I replied, sitting down and savoring the simple yet delicious meal. “Thanks for doing this, Dad. I really appreciate it.”

“Anything for my girls,” he said, his eyes warm with affection.

As I finished my meal, my thoughts wandered back to Jarrod. Tonight, I wouldn’t be dancing lost in my own head.

Tonight, I’d be dancing for him.

The thought sent a warmth through my stomach. I couldn’t wait to see the look in his eyes when I stepped onto the stage, and I knew just what to perform for my last show.

“Alright, time to get ready,” I said, standing up and gathering my things. “Wish me luck for an amazing evening.”

“You don’t need luck, honey,” Dad said, giving me a reassuring smile. “You’re already amazing.”

With one last kiss for Ellie and a hug for Dad, I headed out the door, my heart pounding with anticipation and excitement.

CHAPTER NINE

Chapter Eight

“TWINS!” I EXCLAIMEDin surprise. I staredat Midnight in disbelief, my mind struggling to wrap around the idea. “There’s no way Hadleigh’s hiding two kids in that stomach!”

Midnight nodded, running a hand through his disheveled hair, the dark locks still damp from his earlier shower. A broad grin stretched across his face, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—something deeper. “It’s true, brother. Both girls, and it’s scary as fuck.”

“Holy shit, man, you’re gonna have your hands full,” I chuckled, shaking my head in amazement, trying to pictureMidnight with two daughters clinging to his legs. “I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Midnight’s smile faded slightly, the weight of reality settling in. “It’s not the twins that worry me,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. “It’s my mama, Haddie’s mother, and Vittorio. You’d think these babies were theirs the way they’re acting. I’m about ready to take Haddie and run away.”

I laughed, but his words lingered, the tension in his voice obvious. Midnight had always been the steady one, the calm half of our friendship, but now he looked like a man caught between the joy of fatherhood and the fear of losing control. “Family’s a double-edged sword,” I said, my voice more somber. “But at least they care. Some kids don’t get that opportunity.”

Midnight sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “True, and I can’t fault Mama for being excited,” he continued, his voice softening, as he spoke, “She believes that since God took Kezia, he’s making up for it by blessing us twice.”

---