Page 92 of Eleven of a Kind

“Grandma Barb. Did you know that Kate calls her Barbie?” She laughed.

“Yeah, I know.” I chuckled.

“Anyway, Ava came back, and we shopped around for a while and came home. I texted Piper earlier, but she hasn’t responded. Have you heard from her?”

“I have, sweetheart. She’s here with me in Seattle.”

“What?” Her brows furrowed.

“We were on the same plane this morning. It’s a long story, and I’m sure she’ll tell you about it when she comes home.”

“So, you’ve seen her? What is she doing in Seattle?”

“She had some business to attend to here. I miss you, Riley.”

“I miss you too, Dad. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” I smiled. “Can’t a father tell his daughter that he misses her?”

“Yeah, but it was so random.”

“Is Uncle Grayson home?”

“Yeah. He’s over at—Dad, did I just see Piper?”

I turned my head just as she opened the door and stepped onto the balcony.

“Hi, sweetheart.” She leaned over my shoulder.

“Hi, Piper. So, what’s going on there in Seattle? Are you and my dad sharing a room?”

“We are,” Piper said. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back. The hotel screwed up my room reservation, and your dad was kind enough to let me stay in his.”

“I bet he was.” Riley smirked.

“I’ll let you go, sweetheart. Tell your uncle that I’ll call him later.”

“Okay. Bye, Dad. Bye, Piper.”

“Bye.” We both said before I ended the call. “How was your call with Charlotte?” I asked as we went back inside the suite.

“It was good. She’s proud of me. So now, let the healing begin.” She smiled.

“I’m proud of you too.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me. “It took a lot of strength and bravery to do what you did.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t think I could have done it without you there by my side.”

“Nah, you would have been fine.”

“Can I ask you something?” She broke our embrace.

“You can ask me anything.”

“Do you still love me?”

“Yes, Piper. I do, and I always will.”

“Tell me, Gabriel.”

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