“She’s turning sixteen, and her parents will be there. If Noah can take me, he can meet them. They said they’ll bring me home.”
I cock my head and shift my gaze to Noah. “Are you okay doing that?”
He shrugs. “I don’t mind.”
“Then it’s fine with me. But you’re home by eleven, and if you need a ride, you call home.”
She nods. I lucked out with my kids. There’s a part of me that worried that Bailey would rebel and act out, given how her life has changed.
But there’s no sign of that so far.
She’s always been a responsible girl. How Kiera might act is another story, but we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“It’s good to see you making friends.”
Our gazes meet across the table and she smiles at me. With her long, blonde hair and blue eyes, she takes after me. I want her to have the future I never had—the chance to live.
I fully expect our road won’t be so smooth as it is right now. But I have to give her the chance to spread her wings.
And give her room to make her own mistakes.
One thing is for sure—no matter what, I’ll be here for her. I won’t push her into situations that make her uncomfortable or force her to live her life a certain way.
I’ll be there in the way that matters—unlike my own parents.
“Is there pudding?” Jason asks.
His plate’s already clean and his eyes are bright with excitement.
“I’ve got some ice cream. Do you want some?”
His nod’s so enthusiastic, it’s a wonder his head doesn’t fly off.
Once dinner and pudding are done, Noah clears the plates while the rest of us go and sit in the living room.
“What’s going on?” Kiera asks.
She’s the suspicious one. Always.
“Noah and I have some news to tell you.”
“Is he leaving?” Jason’s brows knit, and I use my thumb to smooth them out.
“No, honey. He’s staying right here.”
Noah’s hands are clasped together—a nervous look on his face. He always knew this is what set him apart from his siblings—or at least suspected, and he must be unsure of how they’ll take it.
But they love him, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.
“What is it?” Bailey asks.
I draw in a deep breath. “Well, Noah has a different father to the three of you. He met him today.”
Kiera’s eyes widen. “I knew he didn’t look like the rest of us, but whoa.”
“Can he be my dad too?” Jason burrows in against me.
