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I clear my head of those thoughts and say, “Why would you say that?”
Looking at me with sadness or regret, I’m not really sure, she attempts a weak smile. “It’s just how my life has been.”
“I guess it’s a good thing you came out here then. We are a tight bunch,” I say, earning me a genuine smile.
I get up to flip the steaks and she follows. “So, what happened with you and your wife?”
The question catches me off guard and with my back to her I answer, “We just didn’t work out.” It's a hard question to answer. I’m not ready to delve into that with someone new.
Just as I’m about to change the subject the door opens and my girls come running out, bathing suits on and huge smiles.
My mood shifts to pure joy just watching them. No matter what happened with Sarah, it was ultimately worth it for these two. They make life worth living.
Chapter 5
McKinley
* * *
Standing there watching Braden’s face light up when his daughters came barreling through the door is something to behold. I’ve never truly seen what someone’s face looks like when they are completely happy, but his face right now shows me.
He bends down and scoops up both girls laughing as they both talk a mile a minute about their day with Kallie. She walks over and the four of them laugh and talk while I stand here in awe of it. I’m jealous of the connection Braden has with his daughters, I wish I had that with my dad, or I mean step-dad.
The way he is with Kallie, makes my heart ache because I’ve never had that kind of relationship with anyone, never mind family. It’s selfish, I know that. I should be happy that these people have such a TV series kind of life, but I’m not. I deserved that growing up and I didn’t have it. I didn’t have anything close to that. It makes me want to be sure that I Blake and I get that connection because I am entitled damnit.
I close my eyes and shake my head trying to get myself back in the state of mind I was in just moments ago. I wanted Braden to kiss me so badly, I could feel my body humming with sexual tension. When he admitted, he was attracted to me, but wanted me to work on with Blake first, it took the sting out of not having his lips on me…kind of. It all just makes me want him that much more, which is probably the worst thing possible right now.
“McKinley, you remember Dawn and Tiffany, right?”
Snapping out of my many thoughts I smile at the girls. “Of course, I do. I could never forget those beautiful faces.”
Dawn giggles and looks up to Braden. “Can I go swim now Daddy?”
“Yes, but stay in the shallow end until I’m over there alright?” She starts running for the pool and he calls her name. “Wait for your sister.”
Tiffany goes running after her and they both jump in laughing.
I take a minute to watch them splashing around before I turn back to Braden and Kallie. “They are really adorable.”
“Yes, they are and believe me they know it.” We all laugh, and Kallie continues, “They had me in every store in the mall just by looking at me.”
“Tell me about it,” Braden says, looking over at the girls with a huge smile on his face.
“I can’t wait to get to know them better,” I say, meaning every word.
“Well, you better hurry because they go home tomorrow and who knows when they will be back,” Braden huffs.
Completely confused by this I look at Kallie who gives me a tight smile. “Braden doesn’t have custody of the girls. They come out for a few days every couple of months.”
Ouch. How the hell is that possible? He’s a fabulous father from what I’ve seen. He dotes over those girls. I suddenly realize his ex-wife must be a real bitch. My real father wanted nothing to do with me, but Braden wants to be with his girls. She’s a bitch for not allowing it more.
“Braden, I’m sorry I had no idea,” I say, gently touching his arm.
He turns his head slightly and looks at my hand which I quickly drop.
“Don’t be sorry, how could you have known. Anyway, why don’t you and Kallie go grab me the burgers and hot dogs.”
Everyone is here once again, and I am having so much fun. The more time I spend with these people, the more I don’t ever want to leave. I’ve got a nice buzz going on, the food was just as Braden said it would be, delicious, and we’ve been laughing for what feels like hours.
