Page 78 of Make You Stay

“It’s for Chloe,” she responds, not bothering to look up.

Taking the package, I shoot my daughter a look of exasperation. “You opened Chloe’s mail? Emily, you know better.”

“I thought it was for me. It’s from some kids named Henry and Jeff. Who are they?”

“I don’t know,” I reply, although I have a sneaking suspicion they are the boys she helped raise. “Was it a nice letter?”

Emily nods while I gather up the contents of the package. Yay, me, now I get to explain to Chloe why her mail is open—and read—and that I didn’t do it.

“They really love and miss her, Dad. They said she was such an excellent teacher, and she always played with them, even when she was tired. Did you know she taught them to read? Chloe also killed all the monsters under their bed. Do I have monsters under my bed?”

I shake my head, but my focus is on the first part of Emily’s statement, and I feel my love for Chloe swell exponentially. I’m not surprised she was a good mother to those boys—she has all the attributes of one. She’s loving, affectionate, smart, nurturing.

What more could anyone ask for in a mom? Or a wife? Or the love of your life?

“What’s that?” Natalie asks, plopping on the couch next to her sister.

“A package for Chloe that Emily opened. It’s from the boys she helped raise.” I perch on the arm of the chair, knowing I need to broach a very important topic with my kids. “Do you girls miss Chloe?”

“Yes,” they reply in stereo.

“She loves you, Dad. I see it in her face. She’s loved you for a long time.” Natalie cocks her head, shooting me a grin. “You love her, too. Sometimes love makes you do stupid things. That’s what Chloe told me, but you always have the opportunity to apologize and start again. You need to apologize for hurting her.”

“I have, but I plan on apologizing several more times. I really want Chloe as part of our family.”

“Are you going to have another baby?” Emily asks, her eyes wide.

I chuckle, but for the first time, I realize it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. It actually sounds like a fabulous one. “If Chloe takes me back, we probably will. You okay with that?”

Emily scrunches her face, considering my question. “Do I have to change diapers?”

“Yes.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“No.”

“How come Natalie doesn’t have to change diapers?” Emily persists, shooting her sister a look.

“Natalie has to change them, too.” With a sigh, I run my hand along my jaw. “Girls, we are arguing over a contrived situation.”

Emily shrugs, turning on the television. “I like Chloe. I don’t like diapers, but I like Chloe more than diapers.”

“I’m sure she’ll be glad to know that.”

Gathering up Chloe’s mail, I head for the door.

“Dad?”

“Yes, Emily?” I ask, turning to face her.

She chews her lip, her face pensive. “I guess I can change diapers.”

That’s my girl. With a smile and a mock salute, I walk out the door.

Seems my kids are on board. Now comes the hard part. Getting Chloe to agree to a future together.

I raise my hand to knock on Chloe’s door, but it swings open before I get the chance.

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