I tuck them into bed then read a story about a princess and a pony.
I’m ready to say goodnight when Harlow asks, “Do you want to marry my daddy?”
“Well, I’m not sure yet. You need to date and get to know someone before you get married.”
“No,” she disagrees, shaking her head. “Sometimes you meet a cute boy, and he saves you, and then after you kiss, you need to get married.”
“That’s how it works in princess stories and movies, but not in real life.”
“But you told Daddy you love him, and when you are in love you are supposed to get married.”
Ava lifts her head. “How come you cried when you told Daddy you love him?” She’s been texting, and I didn’t think she was listening.
“Do you know how babies are born?”
“I know!” Harlow raises her hand. “The baby grows in the mommy’s tummy until it’s big enough to be born.”
Ava rolls her eyes. I have a feeling she knows more.
“And it starts out small, like a seed. It’s itty bitty bitty,” Harlow continues.
“I was pregnant once, but the baby died before it was born. The playroom was supposed to be for my baby when it got bigger.”
Harlow launches herself at me, wrapping her little arms tightly around my waist.
“I’m sorry your baby died. Is it in Heaven with my mama? Maybe she can take care of your baby there, and you can take care of us here.”
“Seems like your daddy does a pretty good job of taking care of you.”
“He does,” Ava says with a smile. “He can even braid my hair. I think talking about boys sort of freaks him out, though. He still thinks I’m a little girl.”
“But since Daddy came here, Grandma has been taking care of us,” Harlow interrupts. “We had to move in with Grandma after Mama died. I didn’t want to leave our house, cuz I thought she might come back. But she didn’t. Miss Vanessa, do you cry a lot?”
“Only when I'm sad.”
“Mama was sad a lot.”
“That’s because she had depression,” Ava says. “She had something wrong in her brain that made her feel sad even when she was happy.”
“I think a pony would make me happy!” Harlow screams, pointing to her chest. “I want Daddy to buy me one, but he said he can’t afford a pony.”
“That’s because Momma spent all Daddy’s money. At least that’s what Grandma said,” Ava whispers.
I try to hide my surprise at her comment and make a mental note to ask Dawson what she’s talking about. How could she have spent all of his money?
“Ponies are expensive,” I reply. “And not only do you have to buy one, you have to feed it and have a place for it to live.”
“There’s nowhere to keep a pony here on the beach, Harlow,” Ava agrees.
Harlow’s eyes get big, and she puffs out her lower lip, looking ready to cry. “But Miss Vanessa has a barn. My pony could live with her ponies. My pony could make pony friends. Just like we’ll make new friends at our new school!”
Dawson pops into the doorway. “Miss Vanessa must be reading a really long story.”
Harlow stands up, bouncing on the bed. “Yay, Daddy! Miss Vanessa says my pony can live at her house and make pony friends!”
I start to open my mouth to explain.
“I’m not buying you a pony right now, Harlow. We have to decide if we’re even going to live here for sure. You have to see if you like the school first.”
Dawson mentioning not staying is like a dagger to my heart. I realize that my happiness is resting on the girls’ decision.
So, I decide to sweeten the pot.
I mean, a little old-fashioned bribery never hurt anyone. Right?
“Tell you what, Harlow. If you end up moving to California, I will let you adopt one of my ponies.”
Her eyes get huge, and she hugs me. “Yay! I get a pony! I get a pony!”
Dawson gives them each a hug, tucks them in again, says goodnight, and then leads me out of their room.
Riley’s Penthouse - L.A.
RILEY
I want to call Dallas and discuss this with him, but he and RiAnne just had their own baby, and the last thing he needs to deal with is more of my drama.
I could call my brother, but his girls are in town and might overhear our conversation.
So, I press Keatyn’s number.
“Hey, Riley,” she says, sounding out of breath.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, Aiden and I were walking on the beach when I heard my phone ringing up on the deck, so I ran. What’s up?”
“I know you just spent all weekend with me but, um, could I come over?”
“Sure, Marvel is making us a late dinner of that barbecued shrimp you love.”
Although I’m in no mood to eat, I say, “Awesome. I’ll be right over.”
I change clothes and head out.
The whole way there, I’m trying to process this all.
What it means for me.
What it means for me and Ariela.