Page 21 of Risk

Standing on the sidewalk, I give myself a quick mental and physical check. Hair down and curled into waves. Eyes smoky, lips red. Black maxi skirt. Off-the-shoulder emerald-green top. Heeled nude sandals.

I’m good to go.

Aaron joins me on the sidewalk, and we walk to the door. I let myself inside. The house is pretty quiet, considering there’s a party happening. I start to doubt I’ve got the right day, and then I see Gigi barreling toward me in a party dress.

“Aunt Missy!” she screams and launches herself into my arms.

I somehow manage to catch her and keep hold of the gift in my hand, but it’s a definite balancing act.

“You want me to take that for you?” Aaron chuckles.

I hand him the gift and then pick up Gigi properly.

God, she’s getting so big.

“Hey, cutie.” I hug her to me.

A second later, another screaming little person comes flying in my direction. I shift Gigi to my hip and pick up Thea, setting her on my other hip.

I nuzzle my cheek to hers. “Hey, baby girl.”

I love these girls so much.

“Who’s this?” Gigi has her head turned and is staring at Aaron.

“Girls, this is my friend, Aaron. Aaron, these are my nieces, Gigi and Thea.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Aaron says to them.

“You Aunt Missy’s boyfriend?” Gigi says with a curious tilt of her head.

Seriously, this girl has no filter.

“No, Gigi. Aaron is just my friend.”

“Did you see Daddy’s cake?” Thea tugs on my hair. “Me, Gigi, and Mommy picked it out at the cake store. It has chocolate frosting!” she exclaims.

Oh, to be this young and with no cares in the world, where the only thing that matters is chocolate frosting.

“I haven’t seen it yet. But I’m definitely going to go check it out. First though, where’s your dad? I want to wish him a happy birthday.”

“He’s in the backyard with Mommy and everyone else,” Thea says. “We’ve got a hugemongus tent outside!”

“Humongous,” Gigi corrects her.

“Hugemongus,” Thea says.

“Humongous,” Gigi repeats.

“That’s what I said!” Thea rolls her eyes, and I laugh.

“Okay, girls, let’s go outside, so I can wish your dad a happy birthday.”

“I need to potty,” Thea says.

“You need me to take you?” I ask her.

She gives me an impatient look. “No, Aunt Missy. I’m a big girl now. I can potty alone.”

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