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Harrison fell over in mock shock.
I stood and patted his shoulder. “You’ll be okay.”
I knew Harrison prided himself on being able to do a little girl’s hair.
“You two are ganging up on me,” he called after me.
“You know you love it.” I followed Wren to her room where I sat on the bed, her between my legs on the floor. I brushed her hair, carefully untangling any knots.
“You’re so much better at this. It hurts when Daddy does it.”
“That’s because he’s never had someone brush his hair. He doesn’t know what it feels like.”
I sensed Wren rolling her eyes. “Duh. He doesn’t have much hair.”
“You know he watches videos about styling girls’ hair?” I said to her. It was important for her to know that Harrison tried, even when he fell short. He didn’t want to be one of those dads who deferred his daughter to someone else who might know better. He wanted to be the one she could come to.
“You don’t think I hurt his feelings, do you?”
“He’s tough, so probably not, but it wouldn’t hurt to give him extra hugs and kisses at bedtime.”
Wren nodded. “I can do that.”
I smiled. “You’re a good kid.”
“The best, right?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Absolutely. I love you so much, and I’m so happy to be living here with you.” I reached my arms around her shoulders, hugging her.
Wren covered my hands with hers. Emotion filled my chest, threatening to burst. I was happy and content here. It was scary because I knew it wouldn’t last, and I hated the thought of moving back into my apartment.
I resumed brushing her hair.
Harrison leaned on the doorframe. “You two about done? I’m hoping to read a certain wizarding book. Unless Everly has taken over that job, too?”
Wren scrambled onto the bed. “I want you to.”
I moved to the edge of the double bed while Wren cuddled up with Harrison, and he pulled out the large, illustrated version of the book.
“I love these books,” I said to them.
“Daddy said we have to read them before we watch the movies.”
“Which one are you on? Maybe I could read it with you.”
Harrison tilted the cover so I could see it was the third book.
“You live here now, silly. You can read it along with us every night,” Wren said.
“I’d love that.” I settled back in the cushions and let Harrison’s deep voice wash over me. His narration was almost as good as the audiobook. I found these books comforting to re-listen to. I’d read them when I was a teenager and loved the escape they gave me into another world. Where kids could leave their homes at eleven and move into a school, living with other kids in a dorm. Escape their reality. Sometimes even staying for holidays.
I’d almost drifted off when Harrison whispered in my ear. “She’s asleep.”
I sat up, seeing him give Wren one last kiss. I got up slowly, stretching as I walked out of the room.
“That was nice,” I whispered as we walked out. It almost made me reconsider my no-kids rule.
“Thanks for doing that. She loves having you here.”
