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Josh
2years later
“Ma-Ma-Ma!”Breanna, my sixteen-month-old daughter, wiggles in my arms, calling out to Emily as we watch her canter on Snow, the new Arabian. She’s been out here riding all morning while Breanna and I had a daddy-daughter breakfast date.
I think I wore more of the eggs than Breanna got into her mouth. Then there was the issue of her being covered in syrup. Not that Bree complained about spending half an hour splashing in the bubble bath she then had.
Now, we’re sitting on the deck swing. She’s trying to jump out of my arms to run towards Emily. I knew from the moment she started moving that Bree was a little daredevil in training. The girl has no bloody fear, no concept of danger. I think I’ve actually sprouted fucking grey hairs from watching her climb the furniture.
“Isn’t Mumma beautiful, Bree-Bree?” I ask, not getting a response other than her chanting, “Ma-Ma.”
Turning her in my arms, so she’s facing me, I whisper, “I fucking love you, Breanna. Don’t ever change for anyone.” I know I shouldn’t be swearing in front of my toddler, at least that’s what her mother and grandmothers keep reminding me. But it’s just Bree and me; she’s not going to dob me in.
“Dada.” Breanna reaches out and pulls on my hair as she lands a very sloppy, open-mouthed kiss to my cheek.
“Did you have a good breakfast?” Emily asks. I was so wrapped up in Breanna I didn’t even notice her come up.
“Well, we wore more than we ate, but I think it was good. What do you think, princess? Was breakie good?”
“Ma-Ma.” Breanna practically jumps out of my arms as she reaches for Emily.
“Traitor,” I tell her when I hand her over.
Emily laughs as she kisses Breanna all over her face. I never knew I was capable of loving something so fiercely, but these two girls are my everything. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have them.
Breanna looks just like her mother, absolutely fucking beautiful. I’m sure that shit’s going to backfire on me one day, but I’ll be ready. I figured I’d buy more pigs when she reaches the age of thirteen. And there’s going to be more bodies to fucking bury.
“The Williamsons are coming out this weekend. I’ve got some workers coming in to set up the yard for the kids.”
“What do you mean set up the yard, Josh? You’ve already built a jungle gym. There’s a playhouse bigger than most peoples’ actual homes, and a bloody petting zoo. What more could you possibly set up?” Emily asks.
When Breanna was born, I may have gone a little overboard building a play yard fit for the princess she is. I’ll never admit that to Emily though.
“Emmy, they’re only kids once. I have the means to give them memories they can cherish forever. I’ve booked some theme park rides for the weekend. Who doesn’t love a theme park ride?”
“Josh, they can create memories by playing in the dirt. They don’t need their own theme park in the back yard. Come on, baby, let’s go tidy up your toy room before the kids get here.” Emily walks inside the house with Bree in her arms.
“Ah, Emmy, I might have already picked up for her.” Emily has this thing about wanting Bree to pick up her toys and pack away after herself.
“Daddy is going to spoil you rotten, little girl.” She tickles Bree’s belly. “Josh, how do you think she’s ever going to learn to pick up after herself if you keep doing it for her?”
“Em, she won’t ever have to. I’ll always be here to pick up after her.” I smile.
“Ah-huh. I’m going to remind you of that when she’s sixteen.”
“Argh, why, Emmy? Why do you constantly remind me that she’s going to be a teenage girl? Are you trying to give me a stroke?” I complain. The thought of my little princess being a teenager is a fucking nightmare.
“Because it’s so fun to see the look on your face. Do you remember when I was sixteen, Josh?”
“Of course I do. How could I forget?”
“Do you remember the thoughts you would have about me?”
“No. Just no. Stop right there. This little angel is going to be a nun. It’s already been decided. God wouldn’t put such an angelic thing on earth to not have them work for the church.” I’ve already had this discussion with Bray. My girl will be joining his daughters at the convent. We just need to get our wives onboard.
“Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that.” Emily laughs.
Emily
