Page 46 of Mr. Almost

“Do you get to go to cool places?”

I think about it for a moment as I set down her hairbrush.

“Yeah, sometimes I do,” I say as I think about some of the places I’ve been.

“I’ve never been anywhere.” Ari pouts.

I tap her nose with my finger. “Maybe someday you and Mommy can come with me and we can go explore.”

Ari’s eyes light up. “Really? You mean it?”

I nod. “I do.”

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of having them with me.

They could hang out and do whatever they wanted during the day while I work, and then when I’m done, I could meet up with them.

We could make memories together as a family.

An image of Ari and Livvy bundled up playing in the snow outside of a chalet comes to mind.

Pulling up, I get out of the vehicle right as both of my girls look my way.

“Daddy!” Ari screams before waddling toward me.

I bite back a chuckle as I pick up my little girl who’s decked out in cold-weather gear.

“Hey, Daddy,” Livvy teases as she approaches.

“Hey, Mommy.” I smirk as I pull her into my arms and kiss her on the lips.

“Ew!” Ari moans, making Livvy and me chuckle.

“Have you two had a good day?” I ask.

“It’s better now that you’re here,” Livvy says as she falls into my side.

I close my eyes as I hold both of my girls in my arms.

This. This is what it’s all about.

“Can we go ski now, Daddy?”

“Of course. Just let me change real quick, and we can go.”

“Daddy, are you okay?”

I shake my head and see Ari staring at me with worry.

“I’m fine. Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“Did it hurt?”

I bite back my smile. “Not at all. In fact, I have a question.”

“What?”

I pull her into my lap and hold her close. “Tell me, how do you feel about the snow?”

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