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When we pull up at the house, I don’t even need to say anything they both say they will be good. It makes me chuckle, but I’m proud they know what I expect from them. We knock on the front door and London opens it with a huge smile.
“My favorite girls,” she says, hugging them both. “How are you?”
They go on and on talking her ear off. I can’t help but smile. London is one of the most resilient people I’ve ever met in my life. She’s been through hell and back, yet she manages to be one of the most down-to-earth, big-hearted people I know. She loves life and if she can, anyone can.
She tells them to go change and walks over to me giving me a hug. “Kallie told me. Don’t do anything that can be used against you. Hang here, let them swim and we’ll BBQ later. Blake will be home soon. You should invite McKinley over too.”
“Thanks, London. I really appreciate it.” I kiss her cheek and look down the hall to make sure the girls aren’t coming. “The girls don’t know I’m dating McKinley and I need to keep it that way for now. If I go out front to call her, will you bring them out back when they are done?”
“Of course, go.”
I thank her and go out front to call McKinley. When I hear her voice, I close my eyes wishing I could hold her in my arms. “Hey, we are over at Blake’s and we are going to BBQ later. You want to come hang out?”
“Definitely, I just need to change, and I’ll be on my way,” she says. I let out a sigh, scrubbing my face. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m just pissed because Sarah is talking shit to the girls and I don’t like it. I need this to be done so I have them.” I sit down on the steps and rub my forehead.
“That’s fucked up. You need to talk to your lawyer and maybe he’ll move to have the date pushed up.”
“True, I’ll call him when the girls go back,” I say, looking back at the door to see if anyone is there.
“Hey, don’t let this get the best of you. You know what a bitch she is and should honestly expect this. I did, to be honest. But listen, I changed and I’m walking out the door. I’ll be there in a few and we can talk,” she says and I hear the car door close.
“Text me when you are here, don’t come inside. I’ll meet you out front,” I say and hang up.
I go to the backyard and the girls are already in the pool splashing around.
I sit down on the edge by London, and she smiles at me. “They are so good, Braden.”
“Thanks.” I appreciate the compliment. They are good girls and I want to make sure it stays that way.
We watch them splashing around and laugh at them just being kids. So carefree and just enjoying the little things like swimming. Makes me realize I should enjoy the little things more. I worry so much about them, but they don’t seem fazed by anything that is going on.
I feel my phone buzz and pull it out. It’s a text from McKinley. “Hey, London, McKinley is here. Can you give me five minutes?”
“Take your time. I’ve got this,” she says and smiles when I squeeze her hand.
“Girls, I’m going to the bathroom. Listen to London.”
I go inside and right out the front door. McKinley is leaning against her car and pushes off when she sees me. I walk over to her and before she can say anything I pull her to me and crash my lips to hers. She lets out a soft moan and I push her back against her car and deepen the kiss. It’s like I haven’t seen her in days, yet it’s only been since this morning. I need her to relax me, to remind me of how happy I truly am.
I break the kiss and rest my forehead on hers. “I needed you.”
“I’m right here. Are you alright?” she asks, rubbing her hand up and down my back.
“I’m alright now. I was really pissed, but you’re right, I shouldn’t expect less. And having my girls and you here is all I need,” I say, kissing her lips. I look back at the door with the mention of my girls and back to her. “Damn, this is going to be tough.”
“Hey, it’s only a few days and for the girls. It is worth it, right?”
Is it worth it? I don’t know. I feel like I’m hiding a dirty secret from them when it is the complete opposite. McKinley is the best thing to happen to me, besides my girls. I just wish I knew when the right time to tell them is.
“Just know it will be killing me not to touch you,” I say, pulling her to me.
We finally break apart and go into the house. She goes outside first, and I want a minute longer to follow. It makes me feel like shit like I’m a damn teenager hiding something from my mom.
“Daddy, look McKinley is here,” Dawn yells from the pool and my heart swells. At least they like her, that’s huge.
“I see, that’s great, isn’t it?” I say, sitting on the pool edge next to her.
