Page 126 of The Ranger
Mom and Caylee came over yesterday, and we told them.
“I’m so proud of you, honey,” Mom said, hugging me.
You are just like your father.
I always imagined myself pointing out the difference to her when the time came, but in that moment, I found I didn’t need to.
I knew now that I wasn’t anything like Dad.
We were two different people.
Those were his mistakes.
From the moment I learned I was going to be a father, I’d done the right thing.Sure, Scarlett and I took our sweet time finding our way together, but in some ways it feels like we needed to go through that.
Otherwise, who knows, we might have had to part to work it out.
My only regret is not having them both in my home, and under my protection, earlier so that Chen wasn’t able to get his nasty hands on them.
That’s something I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life.
“Congratulations.I can’t believe I’m an aunt and getting a new sister all at once,” Caylee said.
I loved seeing them getting close.
Caylee climbs out of the back seat now, tugging on her dress.“Ugh, this dress is so tight.I blame your baby shower and all that delicious food.”
In true Trina fashion, she’s befriended my sister and demanded she attend the wedding.Which actually works out well, as she can look after Zara while I dance with my fiancée later tonight.
“Or you’re pregnant,” Scarlett teases.
“Not funny.I’m a born-again virgin since breaking up with my ex.”
“That’s not a thing.It’s born-againChristian.”I shake my head, then tickle Zara’s tummy.I’m trying to get her to smile, but it’s likely just annoying her.
Her legs kick out, and Scarlett takes her.
“Also, don’t talk about the S word around my daughter.”
Caylee glances between me and Scarlett.“So noF-word and noS-word.Any otherstupidrules for the barely born child who can’t understand anything yet?”
We share a look, considering the possibilities.
“Not right now.”Scarlett shakes her head, then finishes strapping Zara on.“But I’m sure there will be.
I smile and take her hand.
We walk into the church, and everyone starts hugging everyone.The girls are all like,you look beautiful,and I share a grin with Aidan.
“You look too well rested.”He lowers his brow.
“We only have one, and I told you she’d sleep through the night.”
Pretty sure he just called me the C word.
I turn to Caylee.
“I heard.Adding it to the list,” she mutters, shaking her head.“I’m highly offended that you think I’d even use that word.”
