Page 36 of Eleven of a Kind

“No problem, Gabe.” She patted my chest and walked out the sliding door.

I let out a sigh and walked up the stairs to Riley’s room. Lightly knocking on the door, she told me to come in.

“Hey,” I said as I walked over to her bed.

“Hey.”

“How was your talk with Kate?” I sat down.

“Good. I really like her.”

“Yeah. She’s cool.” I smiled.

“I’m really sorry, Dad.” She threw her arms around my neck.

I closed my eyes as I hugged my daughter tightly.

“I know you are, Riley. Just promise me that you’ll never do it again.”

“I won’t, Dad. Can I borrow your guitar?” She broke our embrace. “I want to play something for you.”

“Sure.” I smiled as I kissed her forehead. “I’ll go get it.”

I went to my bedroom, grabbed my guitar, and handed it to her. She sat on the edge of the bed with the guitar in her lap and started strumming the chords to and singing Wonderwall by Oasis. She had a beautiful voice and reminded me so much of Ariana.

“That’s the song I used to play and sing to your mother,” I said.

“I know.” She smiled. “She told me.”

“You have a beautiful voice, Riley.” I hooked my arm around her and pressed my lips against the side of her head.

“Thanks, Dad. How long are you going to keep my phone from me?”

“You’ll get it back in the morning.”

“For good?” She looked up at me.

“Yeah. For good.” My grip around her tightened.

At that moment, I felt the bond between us strengthen, and I knew we would both be okay.

* * *

Piper

I grabbed my phone from the counter and sent a text message to Riley.

“Are you still alive? I would hate to show up at your school only to find out that you no longer exist in this world?”

“LOL. Yes, I’m still alive.”

“Good. I’ll see you at three fifteen. I drive a white Jeep Wrangler. Be on the lookout for me.”

“I will. Thanks, Piper. I’m excited to come help out today.”

I furrowed my brows.

“I’m happy to hear that, Riley. See you soon.”

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