Page 111 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“Mommy.” His small hand tapped my knee, trying to get my attention.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Kaywa.” He pointed to his sister with a frown.

Kayla was playing with her dog, giggling uncontrollably.

“You want to play with Gigi?” I asked, and he nodded.

Kayla was possessive when it came to her dog and toys. It would take a miracle to get her to allow Kayden to play with her dog.

“Kayla, baby, share with your brother,” I said.

Kayden ran off to join her. Kayla pushed him away as he tried to touch Gigi.

“Here we go,” I mumbled, watching as Kayden’s lips wobbled, and soon, he broke into a big cry while Kayla watched him, unbothered.

“Okay, we’re leaving.” I stood up and pushed the stroller toward the twins.

“It’s okay. You’ll play with Gigi when we get home,” I whispered, picking him up and wiping his tears away.

I put him in the stroller and buckled him in. I grabbed Kayla and buckled her in the seat next to Kayden.

“Say sorry to your brother,” I said, crouching next to the stroller.

She took a glance at Kayden and said nothing. She looked away, ignoring my request.

“I wonder where you got this attitude from,” I sighed and stood up.

My dad gave me a sly smile, as if to tell me I knew the answer.

“Why don’t we get some ice cream before you leave?” Dad said, stroking Gigi’s head as he stepped closer to look at the twins.

“Yay, ice cream!” Kayden clapped in excitement.

I saw Kayla smile as she took a glance at Kayden.

“Okay, let’s go get ice cream,” I sang while playfully pushing the stroller from side to side, which got the twins giggling.

“So, how have you been? Are you seeing someone else?” I asked as we strolled down the sidewalk to get to the ice cream shop.

“Chloe.” Dad laughed.

“What? You’re fifty-one. You’re still a hot catch,” I said, and he shook his head in amusement.

“The divorce is not finalized yet, and I’m not looking to get into another relationship. I want to do a few things before I retire. I bought a boat.” His dark eyes glimmered as he told me.

“That’s great, Dad.”

He smiled and looked down at Gigi, who barked at another dog passing by with its owner.

“Maybe next weekend, I’ll take you and the twins for a spin.”

“I can’t wait.” I grinned.

I felt five again, when I had viewed my dad as the best dad to ever exist. As I looked over at him, I felt a certain peace that made the future seem hopeful.

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