Page 103 of Until the Ink Dries

Fucking Tierra.

I could strangle that bitch.

“Shhh, shhh, shhh,” I said, kissing her temple. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I promise, you can see me whenever you want. Even if things don’t work out with me and your dad. I promise to always be around for you.”

“Cross your heart?” she asked, muffled.

“Cross my heart. Who else is gonna be my best friend?”

She looked up at me and wiped her eyes. “What about Ms. Shirah?”

I laughed. “We just won’t tell her you’re my ultimate bestie, okay?”

She giggled. “Okay.”

“Let’s finish up in here so we can make dinner. I’m thinking nachos.”

“I love nachos!”

“I know. Since you guys don’t have a couch yet, what do you think about a picnic in the living room while we watch a movie?”

“Like movies in the square?”

“Just like that. You can pick the movie.”

“I pick Princess and the Frog. Can I wear my Tiana dress?”

“Of course. I’ll leave it out for you. Come on. Let’s get to work.”

Just like that, she was happy again. She wasn’t even mine, and I was willing to do anything to keep that smile on her beautiful face. I watched her for a moment, putting away her toys and singing to herself.

Could she eventually be mine?

Could Benny and I really be happy forever? I wasn’t sure what the future held for us, but I knew for certain I wanted this life with the two of them for as long as I could have it.

* * *

Toys were put away.

Clothes were hung.

Beds were made.

Benny, Charlie, and I sat on the floor in the living room, eating our share of nachos and watching The Princess and the Frog as promised. I’d laid out a cozy blanket, so we didn’t make a mess. We dimmed the lights, giving the illusion of the ambiance at movies in the square.

Charlie sat in her Princess Tiana dress, singing along to the movie. I watched her with a smile, while Benny shook his head.

“You know, I thought you would give me a fighting chance at not having to watch so many Disney movies, but I stand corrected.”

I laughed. “I told you, I love Disney, too.”

“You did. I almost left y’all down here to watch this by yourselves.”

I rolled my eyes and playfully mushed him. “You love us. That’s why you’re still here.”

“Love makes you do crazy things.”

“Whatever, sir!”

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