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“Sure we can, princess.”
“Why you call me princess?” she questions me, sounding confused.
“Well, it says it right there on your pajamas,” I point out.
Ireland looks down at her pink pajamas—that have a princess crown on the front with the world Princess below it—and then gives me a little curtsy and a smile.
Yep, I’m a goner.
“Sorry, we thought we were just gonna have a lazy day at home and we haven’t really gotten dressed yet.”
“No worries at all. I like this look on both of you,” I say with a smile. “Ireland, let’s get your stuff and you lead the way.”
As Ireland and I gather all of her things off the family room table I can feel how excited she is and how embarrassed her mom is. Walking past Emily with my arms full of dolls, I just can’t resist when I lean in close and whisper, “Nice shirt.”
Heading towards Ireland’s room, with my back to Emily, I can’t help the shit-eating grin spreading across my face.
This little girl is mesmerizing. She is smart, engaging, funny, and so sweet. She gets this all from her mother, of course. Spending time with Ireland, surrounded by all of her things I am struck by the fact that this is all Emily. She has raised Ireland all on her own as a young woman, working, going to school and with Cami as her only bit of family with her along the way. To see this kind little soul that she has created is awe-inspiring.
It’s now around noon and after dolls, books and some coloring action Ireland is now settled on her bed watching Frozen while I sit on the floor leaning against the foot of her bed watching along with her. Well, watching may be an overstatement, I’m looking at the TV while thinking about the vision of Emily in my shirt and those boxers. At some point while we read, one of several Dr. Seuss books, I saw Emily walk past the room and then when she came by again she was in knee-length yoga pants and a Portland Police Department sweatshirt. It must be Mick’s because she is swimming in it and it unfortunately covers her ass.
As I stare at the TV in my own little world I feel something hit me in the face. I look down to my lap to see the offending item is one of my precious Goldfish crackers. I look up to see a smiling Emily in the door way.
“You two want some lunch?” Ireland’s momma asks leaning against the doorway. Shit, Emily is a momma. It’s not what I always fantasized about, but I like this role on her. It fits.
I can tell Ireland already knows the answer when she asks, “Can I eat on my bed mommy?”
“No, but we can have a carpet picnic and you can eat on the floor here in your room. I’ll be right back. Catch.”
She throws the huge bag of Goldfish at me and leaves the door way but she’s back a minute later with plates balancing in her hands. Does she remember that these little crackers are my favorite or is it just a coincidence?
“Okay, here we go with our five-star lunch. How do we feel about pb&j’s—one crunchy and two creamy—apple slices, cheese, blueberries and of course fishies?”
She remembers I like crunchy peanut butter! First the t-shirt, now the peanut butter and possibly even fishies! This day just keeps getting better!
“Fishies! They’re my favorite snack, Jonafon.”
“No, they’re my favorite snack, Princess.”
“They can be both of your favorites, but Ireland he did love them before you did. Before you were even born in fact,” Emily says as she gives Ireland a little poke to the belly that makes her giggle.
Well, Fuck me! I guess she remembers. Looks like I’m not the only one with a good memory. Thank you baby Jesus!
“So, you two having fun in here?” Emily asks.
“So much mommy!” Ireland answers with a mouthful of PB&J.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, baby girl.”
Yep, I like this role on her. Emily gives good mom. She’s a natural.
“Yep, we’re having a great time. You getting through your school work?”
“I’m plowing through it. I have hours left though. Please don’t feel like you have to stay. I’ve got tomorrow too.”
“Well, if you don’t mind I’ll stay here and hang with Ireland while you keep working?” I’m not really asking but I can play the part if she needs me to.
“Why do you want to do this?” she asks still sounding as puzzled as she did when I first arrived.
