Page 90 of Monstrosity
"Whoa, whoa," I laugh, trying to contain the chaos. "One at a time."
"This is the best day ever!" Cali declares, attaching herself to Dasha like a koala. "You're going to be our mommy for real!"
"I already am, baby," Dasha says, voice thick with emotion. "This just makes it official on paper."
"But now no one can say you're not," Florencia points out with eight-year-old logic. "When people ask, we can say 'that's our mom' and it's true."
"It's already true," I remind her. "But yes, after the wedding it'll be legally true too."
"When's the wedding?" Cali demands. "Tomorrow?"
"Not tomorrow," Dasha laughs. "We need time to plan. And we need rings first."
"Rings!" Both girls shriek in unison.
"Can we help pick them?" Florencia asks.
"We're counting on it," I tell her. "In fact, how about we go today?"
"Now?" Cali's eyes are huge.
"After breakfast. And after everyone gets dressed. Properly dressed," I add, eyeing Cali's tendency to try leaving the house in costume pieces.
"I'll wear my fancy dress!" she decides. "The one with the flowers!"
"I'll wear my purple one," Florencia adds. "Ring shopping is serious business."
They inhale their pancakes at record speed, then race upstairs to get ready. I can hear them chattering excitedly through the ceiling.
"That went well," Dasha observes, sipping her coffee.
"Better than expected. I thought there might be more questions."
"They're too excited for questions. Those will come later." She leans into me. "You sure about ring shopping with two hyperactive kids?"
"They're part of this," I say firmly. "We're becoming an official family. They should be involved."
"You're a good dad, Rio Rojas."
"And you're going to be an amazing wife." I kiss her softly. "Still can't believe you said yes."
"Like I could say anything else. You're stuck with me now."
"Best kind of stuck."
An hour later, we're walking into the jewelry store, girls dressed in their finest and practically vibrating with excitement.
The salesman takes one look at us—tattooed biker, beautiful woman, two little girls in fancy dresses—and his customer service smile becomes genuine.
"Shopping for something special today?"
"Engagement rings!" Cali announces before anyone else can speak. "Daddy's marrying Dasha and we're helping pick!"
"How wonderful," he says warmly. "And what excellent helpers you have."
"The best," I agree. "Ladies, want to look around while I talk to Mr...?"
"Davidson," he supplies. "And please, take your time. This is an important decision."
