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“Okay,” Andi nods. “Anyway, how was your weekend?”
“Good. Charlotte had karate, and we went to the science center. We had pizza night, and she filled me in on some super exciting first grader stuff. She has a crush on a boy named Luke, and her friend Bella sat next to her at lunch, again.”
Andi chuckles and glances at me. “Luke is the one with a dentist for a dad. She’s a smart girl. Marry rich.”
Matt forces a laugh, and Andi winces. She meant to lighten the mood, but didn’t take into consideration that she married rich and is now divorced. Matt says, “or, she can just take over the family business and become celibate. For like ever. She doesn’t need to date. And she has plenty of money.”
I agree, even if she's not my daughter and I've only known Charlotte for a few months. “No boys for the foreseeable future, seems reasonable.”
“And what if you have kids?” Lisa jibes. “If it’s a boy, will you let him date?”
Andi lets out a long breath and ignores Lisa.
“Babe, that’s a personal question,” Matt whispers.
“I thought we were all family, here?” She sits up taller. Clearly, she is satisfied with the hurt she’s caused Andi.
Taking the few steps between us, I stand behind Andi. I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her cheek. I turn to look at Lisa, and Andi’s body relaxes, her hands squeezing my wrists.
Haley and Charlotte open the kitchen door. They are chatting about the new kitten, who is still unnamed. “Daddy, look, this is it! This is the kitty. Isn’t she so pretty?” Charlotte hands the kitten to him and snuggles into Matt’s side.
“She is super cute,” Matt says.
“Food’s probably ready,” Andi says.
I help her put the food out, and Haley gets drinks for everyone. We settle at the table, and Charlotte sits between Matt and Lisa. Pouring a glass of orange juice for Charlotte, I sit next to Andi. She waits as everyone fills up their plates, then makes hers. I chuckle as she piles it up with bacon and biscuits.
She is stress eating.
I’m surprised the conversation flows so easily. Matt and I talk about my bike and his gaming system, as if I am the new boyfriend of his friend, not his ex-wife.
This is how Andi wants it. Everyone to be happy. Well, everyone except Lisa. The woman has some big issues she needs to sort out. I’m not entirely sure why she is so upset with Andi.
After dinner, Andi asks me to stay while she puts Charlotte down for bed. They’re giggling in Charlotte’s room when I knock on the door. “Come in,” Charlotte says.
I enter, and find Andi lying on her back on the floor, and Charlotte on her stomach. Their heads are touching as Andi finishes the last page of the book.
“Bedtime.” Andi sits up, clapping her hands.
Charlotte groans, but climbs into bed.
“Recap. What was your favorite part of the day?”
“Playing with the kitty!” Charlotte shrieks in excitement. “And eating brunch with everyone. Your turn.”
Andi lets out a low hum and tucks Charlotte into bed. “My favorite part was…” her voice drifts off as she tickles Charlotte.
I smile, enjoying the sound of laughter filling the walls. Andi lets out a gasp of air, falling on top of Charlotte. “Well?” I ask. “What is it, Mom?”
“It was our story. That was a good one. What about you, Dommy?” Andi asks, using Charlotte’s nickname for me.
“Eating brunch with my favorite girls,” I say.
Charlotte coos. “Aww.” She shrugs her shoulders into her neck, smiling, and clasps her hands together. “You’re my favorite, Dommy.”
“Okay, guys,” Andi pushes herself off the bed. “Bedtime.” She kisses Charlotte’s cheek.
“Night, Mommy. Night, Dommy. I love you.”
