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She nods.
“Great, well, dinner isn’t that far off. Monica, why don’t you show Adelaide all the Barbies you have in your room?” I throw her a bone she doesn’t deserve.
“Okay, Mommy.” She turns and heads to her room without waiting for Adelaide, who gives Jimmy an awkward smile and leaves the room.
“I’d better join them,” he says.
“Before you go, fill me in on what she said.”
He meets my gaze. “She said she thought that now that I was her daddy, you and I would be getting married because that’s what mommies and daddies do.”
My heart constricts. Her first disappointment in all this new territory. My poor little girl.
“I’m sorry, I had no idea she felt that way.” I lean back against the counter. “I should have though. I should have had a talk with her about how it doesn’t change anything.”
“Hey.” He steps forward and he’s about to take my hand but stuffs his in his pockets. “This is on both of us. We did our best, but we’re figuring this out ourselves. Give yourself a break.”
I nod even though I don’t agree with him. “Did she seem like she understood?”
“She did. I think she’ll be fine. It was more a surprise than anything. As long as you and I continue to put her first and co-exist in front of her, we’re good.”
“Right.”
We hold one another’s gaze for a moment.
I blink and glance at the pan. “You should probably go join them so I can finish dinner."
Jimmy presses his lips together, nods, and leaves.
I remind myself that he’s not mine and he’ll never be mine again.
* * *
Thankfully,the evening continues without any more outbursts from Monica. She isn’t her usual cheery self, staying quiet through dinner and even after when she plays leapfrog with Jimmy and chalks the sidewalk. Adelaide has been observant, with almost distain in her eyes when Jimmy interacts with me.
“Are you staying at the motel in town?” I ask as they stand to leave. At least the awkwardness will be gone.
No way is Adelaide staying in my house.
“No, we’re driving a couple towns over to stay at the Hampton Inn.”
I nod.
“How come?” Monica peers her head from behind my leg.
Jimmy crouches so he’s at her level. “I just thought we’d be more comfortable there.”
He’s not saying the specific reason, but I’m fairly sure the motel in town isn’t up to Adelaide’s standards. I don’t remember Adelaide being stuck-up, but her star power has increased tenfold since I knew her. Maybe she’s gotten used to the finer things in life.
“Say goodbye to Jimmy and Adelaide, kiddo, then it’s off to bed for you.” I pat her back.
She walks out from behind my leg and wraps her little arms around Jimmy to give him a hug. “Bye,” she says with sadness in her tone.
“Bye, sweetie. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He kisses the top of her head.
“Now say bye to Adelaide,” I prompt her.
Monica comes to stand behind my leg again. “Bye.”
