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“There’s one for your brother, sister, both mommies, me, and you.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it. Hey, Kens? Would you like to help with an important job today?
“A job?”
“It’s actually a mission.”
Her eyes brightened. “A mission?”
I stood up and checked the hallway to ensure no one else was heading our way, then whispered my plan into her ear.
“What do you say, Kens? You think you can help me?”
She gave me quick nod and showed her row of teeth.
“Okay. I’m counting on you kid.”
Hand in hand, I walked downstairs with Kensi. Foxy and Laila were waiting in the kitchen with my mother, dressed in their matching outfits. My mother straightened my shirt like I was her little boy again. She rose on her tiptoes and whispered in my ear, “Don’t fuck this up.”
“No pressure.”
The kids’ unanimous gasp forced my body to turn as Laura appeared.
“Holy shit.”
“That’s a bad word, Daddy.”
Laura walked down the stairs in a beautiful summer dress and sandals. Her hair flowed loosely down her shoulders, her cheeks held a rosy shade, and her eyes popped out like amber gems. She looked stunning.
“Look at you all dressed and ready,” she glowed. “Where’s Daddy taking us?”
“Daddy said it will be a long walk.”
“Let’s go for a long walk, then.”
We secured Foxy and Laila in their strollers and took off walking down the driveway. It had been two months since my last chemo cycle had finished. Laura had driven with me to every treatment. She’d coordinated Kensi’s school drop-off with Tiffany, and taken Laila and Foxy to the new daycare at Silver Securities while working full time. The woman was a superhero, and most importantly, she was mine. Today, I’d ensure she remained mine forever.
We left the neighborhood and strolled along the shoreline, stopping by a family of ducklings. The kids fed the birds, and we bought ice cream from one of the food trucks. We picked up fresh berries at the local market along with a box of apple fritters. We turned the corner to the main street, and I gently squeezed Kensi’s hand. She looked up, and I gave her our secret double wink.
“Oh, look, Daddy. It’s a ring store.” Kensi pointed, drawing Laura’s attention.
I glanced over at Laura and wiggled my brows. “Should we go inside?”
Kensi tugged on my hand. “Let’s go inside, Daddy.”
Laura gave a shrug, and we wheeled in the strollers. The store clerk I’d met last month stood behind the counter.
“Good morning, how can we help you today?” she asked.
“I’d like to buy rings for my daughters.”
“Absolutely. Let’s get their fingers measured.” She dangled a chain of loops, and Kensi stuck out her hand.
“Rings?” Laura stepped closer. “James, they’ll lose them.”
“Are you looking for something specific, sir?”
