Page 45 of The Walls of Levi

We all laugh. They travel too much to have another one. Kelly would do it, but it would drive her crazy. Bone is enough for her. Micah is done too. She had complications with the twins and vowed to never go through that or put Zant through that again. It was touch and go there for a little bit.

Kathleen and I have decided to just have one too. However, neither one of us are getting fixed, so if God deems it necessary for us to have another, we will.

Everyone is in the room now. Chance’s parents came by earlier, as did Micah’s parents. Once Ireland was passed around and pictures were taken, they left.

Nova comes and sits in my lap. She leans back onto my chest, and I wrap my arms around her.

“Hey princess. You ok?”

“Yea,” she says in a dreamlike voice.

“You gunna help me be a good dad?” I’m whispering now. Everyone is talking, but I want Nova to know I’m just talking to her.

“You’re already a good dad,” she says, and my heart melts. This girl has brought me to my knees so many times over the last ten years. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

“You know nothing changes with us, right? We still have a date every month.”

“I know,” she says. She’s taking this better than I thought she would.

“When Ireland gets to be five, she can go with us.”

“You’re going to share our dates with Ireland when you’re fifteen? We are still going on dates when you’re fifteen?”

“Yes, and yes.” She’s so calm. Today is affecting her differently that I thought it would, and I am so proud of her.

“I love you, Nova.”

“I love you too, Uncle Levi. Thanks for giving Ireland to me.”

And there it is. Full unconditional love. I thought Nova would be jealous, but she sees Ireland as nothing but a gift to her. It’s a gift I willingly give. If Ireland grows up to be like Nova, I will be a very blessed dad.

I kiss Nova on the cheek and put her on her feet. “It’s Daddy time,” I say to the room. I need to get my hands on my very own baby doll.

Kathleen winks at me when I take Ireland from Chance.All good?she mouths to me. I nod my head and give her a wink back. She knows exactly what I need when I need it.

That’s how she got behind the walls and into my heart.

Her soul knew the way.

The End

---