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“I know. I don’t know how to protect her.”
“I don’t think you should be seen in public together. It’s only going to fuel more interest in her background. I don’t know the details, but I know she had a less-than-ideal childhood. I can’t imagine she’s interested in the world knowing.”
I run my fingers through my hair and blow out a long breath. “I don’t know if I can stop it.”
“Do your best. You’ll have to continue to show her what’s real and what isn’t. The lines may get blurry for both of you at times. You need to hold it together.”
I nod as the doorbell rings. I start to head that way, but Andie sprints past me to answer it. She swings the door open to see Jade and Collin standing there.
“Wow, youareBarbie.”
Jade lifts an eyebrow. “You must be Beckett’s mother. I’m Jade. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Windsor.” She holds out her hand as Andie bursts into hysterics.
“No, I’m his daughter. I’m Andie.”
“His daughter?”
“Yes, silly.”
“I thought you were much older. My bad.” She throws her thumb toward Collin. “This is my baby daddy, Collin.”
“What’s a baby daddy?”
“The daddy of my baby that’s coming in a few months.”
“Oh. Well then, I guess my daddy is a baby daddy too. I’m his baby.”
Jade has been with my kid for thirty seconds and somehow has already taught her the termbaby daddy.
Collin holds out his hand for Andie and she shakes it. “It’s nice to meet you, Andie.” He crouches down. “I need to tell you a secret. But you have to promise not to tell anyone else.”
Andie’s face lights up. “I promise. What is it?”
He looks around, pretending to make sure no one else is listening, before turning back to Andie. “I love getting my hair braided. Do you know how to braid hair? Because Jade isn’t good at it, and I want to look nice for dinner.”
Andie’s eyes widen. “Ilovebraiding hair. You’ll really let me do it?”
“I told you; I love it. My niece braids my hair all the time. She’s pretty good at it. Are you good too?”
“I think so.”
“I can’t wait to find out. We’ll send her pictures. It will make her jealous.”
“What’s her name?”
“Lucy.”
“How old is she?”
“Five.”
“I’m five too. Almost six.”
“Maybe you two can meet one day and braid my hair together.”
“Really?” Andie looks back at me. “Can I meet Lucy, Daddy?”
“I don’t see why not. How about you let Jade and Collin inside the house?”
