Page 116 of The Addendum

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We went back inside, and a while later, Richard came over, carrying a cup of coffee. He stood next to me. “Regretting your decision to come?” he asked lightly.

“No. It’s great.”

“If by great, you mean chaotic, loud, and crazy, you’re right,” he said dryly.

I chuckled, watching Kylie totter over to where some of the adults were building a structure with Lego bricks. She sat down with a thump, waving her hands, looking excited, watching them with wide eyes.

“They certainly like Lego,” I observed.

Richard chuckled. “They have building contests all the time. Evan is a huge fan. All the boys are.”

He was quiet for a moment, then spoke.

“How are you feeling about everything, Ashley?”

I met his gaze briefly. “I’m coming to terms with it all. I have to deal with some regrets and try to make up for my behavior—”

He interrupted me. “There is nothing to make up for. We’ve moved past it, so put it behind you.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“We’re a forgiving lot,” he said softly. “We all have regrets. I certainly do. But you have to move past them and go forward.” He tapped the end of my nose affectionately. “Always go forward, sweetheart.”

“Richard,” I began, but he shook his head.

“I know,” he said. “I already know.”

We smiled at each other in understanding. We would go forward and build a relationship. I would find my place with this family.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Kylie lurch up, moving.

“She never stays still long,” I observed.

“Nope,” he said, his voice drenched in affection. “She’s a busy little bee.”

She saw Richard and headed in his direction. She grinned in delight as he hunched down, calling to her, then she stopped, bending to pick up her doll she’d dropped earlier. She sat down, no longer interested in coming over. Her fist went to her mouth, and she frowned, looking displeased.

Richard laughed. “DollyDoo comes first.”

“DollyDoo is an odd name,” I murmured, unable for some reason to stop looking at Kylie.

“I named her. With her funny little voice right now, it sounds like DoggieDoo. Makes me laugh.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re a sick man, Richard.”

“I prefer to call myself amusing.”

“Uh-huh,” I said, distracted. Kylie looked odd, her cheeks suddenly flushed. She dropped her doll, her hands lifting, her fingers opening and shutting. Something was wrong. Without thinking, I grabbed Richard’s arm, and he glanced down, puzzled.

Realization happened so fast, I had no time to think. “Dad,” I gasped urgently. “She’s choking.”

I was past him in a second. I jumped over a body lying on the floor, sliding in front of Kylie on my knees before anyone else had moved. I placed one hand on the front of her, the other on her back, and performed the maneuver I had been trained to use. With a few well-timed thrusts, I felt grim satisfaction as the small red brick expelled from her mouth and landed on the floor. I gathered her in my arms as Kylie began howling, and in seconds, we were surrounded. Grace was crying, Jaxson horrified, Richard barking orders, and general pandemonium ensued. My head fell to my chest, and I exhaled a long sigh of relief, grateful I had seen her and my previous training had kicked in. Matthew stepped forward, taking her, doctor mode in full effect. Luc pulled me from the floor, wrapping me in his arms.

“Ashley, love, you saved her.”

Suddenly, I was pulled from his embrace by an emotional Jaxson, murmuring his gratitude. Richard followed, his embrace tight. “Ashley,” he murmured, his voice thick.