Both of us turned to look at Addison, who was standing there holding her art supplies. I watched as the two of them sat on the floor and started painting. Even though she was wearing what appeared to be an expensive outfit, Annie didn’t hesitate to get her fingers dirty. Unlike Heather, who didn't want Addison to eat sauce anywhere near her designer outfits. I watched Annie as she taught her how to paint different shapes and the importance of using different brushes. I hadn’t painted a day in my life, so it was nice having an adult figure around to give Addison some tips.
I went into the kitchen to make dinner, confident that I could trust Annie to take care of Addison. Since she loved pizza so much, I was making that along with a simple tossed salad. Ever since I had gained full custody of Addison, we had spent a lot of time getting to know each other. It wasn’t a big surprise that she loved pizza since most kids her age did, and I was sure that Annie wanted a break from all of her protein bars.
Something felt right about making dinner while they were in the other room. It felt like we were an actual family, and I could hear the excitement in Addison’s voice at having a mother figure in the house. Annie brought out the best in her, whereas she was miserable with Heather. It seemed as though she was born to be a mother.
I peeked into the living room on a few occasions, just to check on them and couldn't help but smile each time. Addison and Annie, with their arms around each other, made each other laugh and were just overall having a great time.
My only concern was of things not working out between Annie and I. There was no denying that Annie was a good fit for Addison, but romantic relationships were complicated. Hell, I hadn’t been in a serious one in years because of how nasty the break-up was with Heather. As much as I loved and cared about Annie, statistically speaking, there was a good chance that we wouldn’t make it.
I knew that I’d bounce back, but no way could I put Addison through that again. She had been through so much with Heather and Michael. Even though I’d never met him, I suspected that he wasn’t a good role model either.
Any man who would marry Heather had some serious mental health issues.
When dinner was ready, we all sat down at the dining room table. Addison talked non-stop about how good the pizza was, and Annie agreed. She told her about all of her new toys and how much she loved her new home.
“This is different than River Valley, isn’t it Addison?”
“It sure is,” she replied. “I like River Valley too. The people in California are nice.”
“What about the people here in New York City?”
Addison shrugged her shoulders at me. “They’re always in a hurry to be somewhere.”
Annie and I burst out laughing. I pointed at Addison. "But, the hotdogs are amazing."
"I had one earlier today, and for a second, I thought about making a protein bar that tasted like one."
Addison and I both scrunched our faces, which caused Annie to shake her head. "It wasn't my best business idea."
"She loves hotdogs," I said, chuckling.
After dinner, all three of us went back out in the living room. Annie and Addison resumed painting, and I watched in between watching the football game on television. Something came to life whenever Annie was around Addison. I had seen it at the lake, too. It was like she had finally found someone she could look up to as a mother.
I also had to admit that my penthouse felt like more of a home with Annie in it.
About an hour later, I turned off the television and decided it was time for Addison to go to bed. It was a little bit earlier than usual, but I needed to discuss things with Annie.
“Ok, sweetie. It’s time for bed now.”
Addison pouted her lips at me.
“But Annie is here,” she said. “Can’t I stay up a little bit later?”
“I’m sorry, honey, but you have an early day tomorrow. Say goodnight to Annie.”
Addison realized that she wouldn’t win that time, and so she gave Annie a hug and a kiss and then went into her bedroom.
“I’ll tidy up out here,” Annie said, giving me the go-ahead to tuck Addison in.
I turned around and went toward her room, but before going inside, I looked back at Annie. At that moment, as she piled all of the toys in the bin, she looked exactly like a mother.
Addison insisted that I read her a bedtime story. By the time I came back out, Annie was staring out of the living room window. She heard my footsteps and quickly turned around.
“Before you say anything,” Annie said, “just let me talk.”
I put my hands in my pockets and nodded.
“First of all, to say that I’m in love with you would be putting it lightly. But not only do I love you, Richard, but I also love your daughter. It doesn’t matter that I’ve only spent two days with Addison up until now. I understand that you’re nervous because you want what’s best for her. But Richard, I desperately want to be a part of what’s best for her.”
