Chloe looked around. “I miss our old house.”
Cathy looked swiftly at her daughter. “So do I, baby.” It was the first time that Chloe had ever referred to the reversal in their fortunes. It hurt that she couldn’t do better for her daughter. Something must have shown in her expression.
Chloe said hurriedly, “This is a nice place, too.” She played with the stuffed bear’s arms, clapping the paws together. “You made my room look pretty, Mommy.”
Cathy smiled, replying softly, “It looks even prettier now that you’re in it.” She was rewarded with another of Chloe’s wide grins and a giggle. Cathy picked up a couple more hats to place them on the shelf.
“Mommy, do you have a boyfriend?”
“What?” Cathy turned completely around, a skull cap dangling from her fingers.
Her daughter’s innocent brown eyes held a serious expression. “I heard Aunt Vicky.”
Cathy carefully placed the skull cap on the shelf, giving herself a moment to gather herself. She couldn’t possibly explain her relationship to her daughter. Not only wouldn’t Chloe understand, but she never wanted her to know. She finally turned and went over to sit on the bed, folding her legs under her. She looked down into her daughter’s solemn face. “I’ve been seeing someone. Is that okay?”
Chloe shrugged. “It’s okay. Some of the other kids’ parents are divorced. A lot of them have a boyfriend or girlfriend.”
She anxiously searched her daughter’s face for any sign of upset. “You really don’t mind?”
“I think it’s good you got a boyfriend,” Chloe said solemnly. “Now you won’t be lonely anymore.”
Cathy gave a small, choked laugh. She leaned forward to hug her daughter tightly. “How can I be lonely when I’ve got you?”
“But I’m not here all the time,” Chloe pointed out with irrefutable logic.
Cathy laughed, giving her daughter another squeeze before she straightened. “Well, you’re here now.”
“You can still have a boyfriend. Aunt Vicky can babysit me. I don’t care. It’d be okay.”
“Oh, Chloe.” Cathy shook her head helplessly. Her daughter’s generosity of heart and her oddly adult attitude was doing a number on her own heartstrings.
Chloe bounced a little, grinning widely. “I think it’s cool you have a boyfriend, just like everyone else! You can even marry him! Then I’d have a new daddy.” She seemed pleased with her pronouncement.
Cathy almost flinched. If only it was true. If only she was like everyone else. But she wasn’t. It wouldn’t do to let Chloe see her distress. She forced a smile. “Okay, that’s enough plotting, young lady. It’s about time that you went to sleep. You’ve had an exciting day and need to rest.”
The little girl obediently allowed herself to be put under the covers. She reached out to tug on the wide gold bracelet that circled her mother’s wrist. Cathy was startled. She had forgotten it was there. “Did your boyfriend give it to you?”
Cathy bit her lip. “Yes, yes, he did.”
Chloe twirled the bangle, watching it gleam in the light. “It’s pretty. He must be nice. What’s his name? I didn’t hear Aunt Vicky real good.”
“His—his name is Michael. Now, that’s enough questions,” said Cathy firmly.
Chloe glanced up with a surprisingly knowing gleam in her brown eyes. “Is he cute?”
“Chloe!” Cathy couldn’t help laughing. “Just how old are you, anyway? Is he cute! Yes, he is! Now take your nap.” Cathy kissed her daughter’s forehead.
Giggling, Chloe snuggled into the pillows. “’Night, Mommy.”