One I had zero desire to listen to, as Sasha reminded them over and over how much she loved and missed them.
But I stuck around, because I knew my ex, and the minute Sasha would surely ask when she could visit, I’d need to end the call.
After she abandoned the girls and signed away her rights, amongst other lifestyle factors, the courts decided her involvement in their childhood would be emotionally damaging. My ex was lucky I allowed the calls at all.
It was also the reason I didn’t disclose where we moved to, though I was certain Sasha had a good idea based on my friendship with Andrew.
“Okay, girls, time for your bath,” I reminded them as I looked down at my wristwatch. “You can talk to Mommy later.”
Molly complained, as did Sasha, but Eloise nodded and came to stand by my leg. I was going to have to keep my eye on her. She seemed more and more withdrawn with every call.
After I pried the phone out of Molly’s hand and pressed End Call, I lugged a tantrum-throwing four-year-old back to the house while her sister walked quietly beside me.
“Cheer up, buttercups. I packed your favorite bubble bath, and I know you’ll love the big tub in my bathroom.” Thankfully, that calmed down the wiggling package I carried up the porch steps.
The house seemed empty when I walked inside, so the girls and I quickly made it up the staircase and got their bath started.
Thank goodness it was less eventful than the walk back to the house, and I allowed the twins a few extra minutes in the tub to play with their Barbies and bubbles. Molly even pointed out one particular doll that reminded her of Alex.
I didn’t see the resemblance other than both were blonde and blue-eyed, but Eloise agreed with her twin.
By the time they resembled their favorite snack—raisins—in the tub, the sun was finally setting behind the mountain.
Their nighttime routine went quickly, and we chose Eloise’s room for story time. I kicked off my shoes and leaned back against the antique wooden headboard while my girls nestled up against me. Normally, I read two books, one of each girl’s choice, but tonight we barely made it through half of the first before the excitement of the day caught up to both of them.
Their gentle breaths brushed against my chest where their matching heads rested. Their still-damp hair would leave marks on my shirt, but I didn’t care. Staring down at these little miracles, I had a hard time believing they were mine. I always wanted to have a big family, someone to love and care for in all the ways my own parents lacked. Outside of television shows, I’d never met anyone with multiple siblings or one who ate with their parents every evening. I relied on shows like Step-by-Step, Full House, and Family Matters to fill that void for me. That was, until I met Andrew in college and learned those families really existed.
There were times I wished things worked out with Sasha so the girls would have two parents who loved each other. Maybe I could’ve put in more effort when Sasha complained. Or maybe I should’ve taken the time to get to know her better, instead of jumping the gun and heading down the wedding aisle. Hindsight was a bitch, though. I couldn’t change the past, but I was more than capable of giving the girls the amount of love of two parents. That was the reason we were here in Ashfield and why I sold the patent to my first robot. I wanted more time with them and to give them the childhood I wished I had.
Wiggling my hips, I slid down the bed and out from under their heads. Normally, I’d carry Molly to her own bed, but the girls were in a new place, and I felt it was better to let them have this one night together.
Carefully, I adjusted their bodies so they each occupied a pillow, and I checked the nightstand closest to Molly, seeing her hearing aid was clearly visible so she could wear it in the morning if she chose to. There were days when it bothered her, and she preferred to go without the device. Her doctor said her impairment was minimal, but the hearing aid would help her as she learned to speak and read.
I kissed the top of each chestnut head and turned off the lamp glowing dimly on Eloise’s nightstand.
“Goodnight, girls. I love you,” I whispered before slowly closing the door to the room, thankful the hinges didn’t squeak.
Alone in the hallway, I contemplated my next move. Thoughts of Alex assaulted me, and I wondered where she disappeared to after the dishes debacle.
The blue door at the end of the hallway drew my attention, and I was halfway to her room before I even realized I’d taken a step. With each stride that took me closer to her room, my palms grew clammy and beads of sweat pooled along the base of the back of my neck. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous about approaching Alex; she was my best friend’s little sister, after all. I’d never been nervous around his other siblings, but Alex was a whole different ball game. There was just something about her, and I couldn’t pinpoint what that might be.
When the rug gave way to the hardwood, there were only about twelve inches before I came face-to-face with the cornflower-blue door. Raising my hand, I intended to knock, but it hovered instead.
Did I want to disturb her?
Would she even have answers to my questions?
I expelled a heavy breath and gave myself a mental pep talk, then rapped my knuckles against the door three times. I secretly prayed she wouldn't answer, but my hopes were squashed when I saw the brass doorknob turn.
Then suddenly her beautiful face came into view, and I forgot how to breathe.
“Can I help you?” she asked with furrowed brows.
My entire being reverted to my timid teenage self at the sound of her naturally husky voice.
“Glasses,” I blurted out, then shook my head at my lame attempt to say anything.
“What?” Her voice was pitched in confusion.
