Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
His dumb hand thrust between us again, halting my words. His voice rose to penetrate past the fury causing my cheeks to heat. “It wasn’t just Chandler. It was everything to do with your firm. Your boss, Lon, was your ally and best friend. Your assistant replaced me as the person you shot ideas past. In the end, we spent many days not havin’ any sort of contact. You looked at me like I was an embarrassment. I felt your censure to my core.” He took the wind out of my sails, and I fell back against the seat. He wasn’t wrong, but we’d dealt professionally with his feelings, and ultimately, I quit a job I loved to follow Beau here. “Forget it. I’m over it.”
“Yeah, right,” I shot back, delivering my own version of our past. “What you put me through to ensure I never removed you from the girls’ lives speaks a different story. Seeking third and fourth legal opinions on the very clear and contractual agreement between the two of us. We had to hire another attorney for you to adopt them. I didn’t put you through any of that when I adopted West. I trusted you when you promised you wouldn’t leave me ever again.”
Minutes passed in silence. My heart hurt. I suspected his did too.
“Clearly, we have unresolved issues with our past,” I started. “But I’m here. It’s not always easy with my father’s name on the biggest building in the city, but I ignore it, because I love our lives. I’m proud of what we have accomplished. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve tried my very best for you.”
We sat in silence again. Beau didn’t speak so I continued.
“I know what we said before they arrived, but as we’ve raised our children, I’ve found that I want them to enjoy life. Being disciplined is important, but I also want to teach them spontaneity and guilt-free days have merit.”
“You should have told me you wanted to change things up. It’s essential that we’re on the same page. We need to improve our important conversations. When Livie expressed interest in joinin’ the dance club, it was reasonable to wait until next year when I had more time available. Now, Mia’s enrolled in a pottery class. Ava’s takin’ a karate class. It doesn’t matter that those are at the rec center. You’ll be pulled in too many directions while I’m far away. I’ll be worried the entire time I’m gone.”
“Beau,” I said and put the truck in drive. The last five minutes of the dance class allowed parents to watch through a special window. We needed to be there on time, Livie was sure to be watching for us. “I know you don’t see it, but you’re making decisions by yourself that I should be a part of. You hired Belle full-time. That should’ve been discussed. Did you check her driving record since you plan for her to take the girls to and from school?”
Beau didn’t answer as I parked in front of the dance school, and left the truck.
The emotional gap between us was palpable. We made it inside, Beau carrying West and his diaper bag. My anxiety double-timed while watching Livie’s effort to follow along with her more experienced classmates. She did her very best, and we’d practice at home to catch her up. The joy pumping through me had me reaching for Beau’s hand. He flicked it away, putting West and the diaper bag on that side of his body.
When class ended, Livie burst out with a giant smile, stealing my heart in her new pink leotard and tights. Her long hair was tied in a bun, black tap shoes on. She waved excitedly at us before running to her cubby, changing her shoes while chatting with her friends, and tucking everything in her bag. She came out with her duffle and sweater dragging the floor.
She darted for me, not Beau, and hugged my leg tight. “Thank you, Daddy. I loved it so much.”
If Beau noticed the singular appreciation, he didn’t say a word. His palm caressed over her shoulder. “You did really great, Livie. I need to change your brother’s diaper.” If the tension between us eased, I didn’t sense it. “I’ll meet you two in the truck. Remember your Powerade. We need to keep your muscles hydrated after all that hard work.”
She lifted a fist for him to bump. Another incredibly sweet moment.
Once Livie was in her car seat, chatting endlessly about the class, my guilt set in. “Hand me the buckle, babe.”
Both hands cupped my cheeks, turning me to face her. “Guess what? The teacher said she’s going to teach us how to create a dance on paper. On paper, Daddy.”
I had no idea what she was talking about, but I nodded my encouragement. “You like for things to be written down on paper.” We were forever writing her to-do list and schedule for the day. She watched closely as we wrote each letter then tried to mimic our handwriting. She nailed it every time.