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We have to give him the benefit of the doubt and see if after the surgery, he can be a part of his daughter’s life. Anya made Siobhan promise that if she dies, she will keep Rumi away from Mitchell. That’s a tall order that, as Siobhan says, will be hard to follow.
“I get that part, but you’re usually a visionary. You’re always five steps ahead. Are you willing to do it?”
“Siobhan won’t be able to handle it if her sister dies,” I mutter the last word as I let out a breath slowly. “If the worst happens, we’ll step in.”
She checks her watch. “Listen, the surgery is going to last a few more hours. Why don’t I stay with Rumi, and you go check on Siobhan.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, Efren and Bri agreed to meet me here with the puppies. Nando is at the sports bar working with Pa.”
Usually, I’d say no and tell them I can handle it, but I need to be with Siobhan. Also, maybe everyone around me is right and I have to let things go. I think Efren usually says I need to chill the fuck out.
“Thank you.”
She gives me a sad smile. “I wish you could reach out to us more often and ask for help.”
I rub the back of my neck. “It’s hard, you know? I feel like I have a job to do, and if I change our family dynamic—”
“We’ll stop respecting you?” She laughs. “You lost our respect when we became teenagers. I really appreciate all your sacrifices, but maybe it’s time for you to see us and treat us as equals.”
“It’s hard,” I say before kissing the top of Rumi’s head. “Aunt Myka is going to keep an eye on you, okay?”
Rumi nods twice before handing her another block. “Ba!”
“Demanding little thing,” Myka says with a smile. “Again, sorry for the baby thing, or whatever happened to the two of you.”
I sigh. “We thought she was pregnant, but she’s not.”
“It’ll happen when the tyke is ready to join your little family. And even when you’re grumpy, I know you’ll be the best dad.”
“You think?”
She nods. “I know better than many. Pa was good, but you picked up the slack, and for that, you’ll always be my favorite.”
“I thought it was Mane.”
She shrugs. “It’s different. He’s the twin. You’re my big, loving brother.”
“Love you, Myk.”
* * *
“Is Rumi okay?” Siobhan asks as I enter the small room where she’s waiting.
“Why are you here?”
“I was slightly light-headed, and Nathalie sent me here to rest. How’s Rumi?”
“She’s fine.” I check my watch. “Myka is with her. I hope you don’t mind.”
Siobhan nods. “She mentioned she would go but I wasn’t sure what she meant by that.”
“Apparently there’s a rumor about us,” I whisper.
She rolls her eyes. “I’ve heard, including the part where we eloped, and that’s why we were absent.”
I check her hand. “Where’s your ring?”
