Page 128 of When We Burn

“I know.” Birdie yawns widely and holds my hand in hers. “Today was fun, taking Daddy and the others food.”

“I thought so, too.”Especially in Bridger’s office. Talk about hot.The only thing that left a sour taste in my mouth was seeing Angela en route to see Bridger, too. He hasn’t texted me about it, so I hope that means that nothing came of it. “Maybe that’ll be something we do more often. Maybe once a month. Would you like that?”

“Yeah, it would be fun, and we can change the menu.”

I grin at her. Sometimes, this little peanut is five going on thirty. “That sounds fun. I’m definitely down for that. What else is on your mind tonight?”

Typically, Birdie has no problem going to sleep at bedtime, so I wonder if something is bothering her.

“You live here. With me and Daddy and Pickles.”

“Yes, I do. Are you sure that’s okay with you?”

“I like it.” She smiles at me, and I can’t resist leaning in to kiss her little cheek.

“Good. I do, too. I love spending time with you and your daddy, but I also love it when you and I get time alone, like we have recently. Even though I miss your dad when he works so much, I love it that I get to be with you, you know?”

Birdie nods and releases my hand so she can reach down to pet Pickles.

“Yeah, me, too. Now, I don’t have a bunch of different babysitters all the time, and I get to stay home with you when Daddy’s working.”

“Yeah, unless we decide to go somewhere. Do you still like being in my class? Because that’s a lot of time together.”

“I love school.” Her eyes are starting to get droopy. “Our class is so much fun, and Ariel is my best friend.”

The two little girls have become close, spending recess together and eating lunch together, as well. They’re adorable.

“I like Ariel, too.”

Birdie nods. “Ariel has a mommyanda daddy.”

Ah, here we go.

“Yes, I’ve met them, and they’re very nice people. Has Ariel told you about them?”

She nods again. “Sometimes, a kid can live with both their mommy and daddy, but sometimes they only live with one of them.”

“Sometimes, yes.”

“But I live with my dad and you. Together.”

I press my lips together and nod, wanting to pull this sweet baby in for a big hug.

“So, does that make you my mommy?”

Oh, my heart.

“Well, I think that’s a good question, sweetie. I love you so much, my whole body is bursting with it. You are such an incredible person, a wonderful little girl, and I’m so grateful that you’re in my life. Do you know that I love you?”

“Of course.” She frowns up at me, the immediate acceptance of my feelings humbling me. “You tell us all the time that you love us.”

“Because I do, and I want to make sure you know it. That you never forget it. If we ever get to a place where you call me Mommy, it will make me the happiest person in the whole world. No one means more to me than you and your dad. I think we make a really great little family, don’t we?”

“We’re pretty much the best.” I love her confidence so much.

Birdie yawns again and settles intoher pillow.

“I’m sleepy.”

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