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“We can work it out,” I said, unable to keep from smiling.
“I would like to stay, too, if that would be okay,” Whitney said, “I have a lot of making up to do.”
Her brother smiled and nodded.
Chapter Seventeen
Ashlyn
I was never too big on Mondays. With piano music followed by claps playing in my head, I rolled out of bed and went into the guest room. I woke Katie to get her ready for the day — moving in a sort of fugue state. Katie was as spritely as ever.
After getting my daughter bathed and dressed, I got her into her highchair doing my best to get her to pay attention long enough to eat the yummy blender mush I had mixed up for her.
“Morning,” Whitney sang, stretching in her position on the couch. “How can anyone be that happy in the morning?” I asked Katie. “Birdie!” Katie said, pointing to the tree outside the patio door. “Indeed, it is,” I agreed. “Is there any coffee?” Whitney asked, wandering over to the kitchen, clad in panties and a T-shirt. “I’ll put some on, kid,” Chase said, emerging from the master bedroom, already looking dapper in a navy blue, pin-striped suit. “Chase!” Katie yelled, her food completely forgotten. And with that, a quiet morning with just Katie and I went into full gear. “Why do you call her that?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. “He’s quite a bit older than I am,” Whitney admitted.
“And I helped raise her,” Chase added, getting the coffee down. “That too,” Whitney agreed. Everybody properly caffeinated, Whitney went to the master bedroom to get changed, and Chase got ready to go. “When do you think you’ll be back?” I asked, Katie reaching out for him as Chase looked for his car keys.
“Not too long. It is mostly paperwork to settle the estate. I should be back around lunch tomorrow,” he said, giving Katie a kiss on the forehead.
“Do you actually have to go to San Diego?” I asked. “They pretty much insisted. It needs to be witnessed for security.” “How did Whitney get her share without being there?” I asked. “No idea, but I’ll be sure to ask them that after I get the money.” “Do they know that you’re a lawyer too?” “Nope,” he said with a gleeful smile.
“That should be a nice surprise,” I said. “I just wished I knew what to do with it all. I knew it would be big, but I never knew it would be this much. Along with what I already had, which isn’t insubstantial by any means, I’ll be downright wealthy. Not just rich but actually wealthy.” “Charity,” I suggested with a smile. “I did think about that and it is certainly going to be a factor. Though there would still be a lot left. I’d really like to invest it, too. Help build something,” he said, taking me somewhat by surprise. “There can be a lot of money in cleaning companies,” I suggested. “I’ll think about it, we can talk about it when I get back,” he said. “Thanks for getting Katie back into daycare,” I said. “No problem.”
“I still need to be able to work so I can save money to move out.” “You’re not going anywhere,” Chase said firmly, taking me by the waist, “not for now anyway. When I get back, I will make it so you don’t have to worry about your ex ever again.” “Are you going to have him whacked?” I asked, kidding. “Whack!” Katie repeated. “Wasn’t planning on it. Though I am going to have him slapped with a heavy-duty restraining order. I really want you both to stay.”
He leaned down, giving me a kiss before Whitney reappeared, and they had to leave. I watched the door close with trepidation. Chase and I had just gotten on good terms. I wanted everything he had offered, but part of me still feared that he would never come back.
****
The bus rattled like an old paint mixer. Something Katie found fun. She gave out little calls to hear her voice shake, making her giggle, which also vibrated, making her giggle even more. It really was amazing what she could find joy in.
It hadn’t been hard getting her back into daycare. Particularly with Chase backing us up. I really wasn’t sure at first, wondering what he would want in return, my mom always telling me that no one gave something for nothing. Apparently, she had never met Chase, who, as far as I could tell, was acting in just such a philanthropic spirit. You just had to look at how he treated his little sister to see an example of it.
And he really seemed to have hit it off with Katie. If we were to form a serious relationship, I wouldn’t really have to worry about her adjusting. Chase seemed like he would be a good influence. I might tell her one day what happened, but right then, I could just let her have a happy childhood with a lovely man as a father figure.
