Page 107 of Without Bound
“No,” I mumble.
He lets out a low laugh and says, “Okay, my little butterfly. I’ll carry you to the moon and back if that makes you happy.”
“You make me happy Bishop Michaels. Everything else is just a bonus.”
A crooked grin slowly spreads across his face. “Same, baby. Same.”
36
Bishop
Christmas with Anais was the best gift I could’ve asked for, but I know it was difficult for her. Not being with her mom and gramma was tough. I told her I’d fly her right back if she wanted to see them, but she refused saying she needed to be away from the madness that would come with being there.
So we spent Christmas Eve with just one another, watching Christmas movies and wishing it would snow. Fat chance since it was still sixty-five degrees out. The next morning we woke early and I made my girl her favorite breakfast. Pancakes with blueberries and honey. Then we showered together, had some extra fun with the bubbles and powerful shower head –totally worth the investment– and headed over to spend the day with my mom and dad where we ate too much and opened too many gifts that my parents bought for us.
Mom spoiled Anais with pajamas and blankets and an expensive purse and a gift certificate for the two of them to have a spa day. Anais cried and hugged her for about ten minutes straight. I later thanked my mom for making her day better.
And when the last gift was opened,and the last slice of pecan pie had been eaten, the two of us went home and crawled into bed and played dirty Santa and naughty Mrs. Claus.
Now it’s the morning of New Year’s Eve, and Anais is taking an hour-long shower to prepare for our date to the ballet because she’s been bugging to see the Nutcracker, followed by an elegant dinner and ringing in a new year together. Just the first of many.
My phone buzzes and I bring it to life only to freeze with my heart in my throat.
Day: Hi Uncle Bishop. I want to thank you for my amazing Christmas gift. I wish I could’ve seen you because I miss you and Ana tons. Maybe soon. I love you Uncle Bishop. Bunches and bunches.
I inhale, warding off the tears that threaten to fall, and reply.
Me: You’re welcome Day. And I miss you too. Oodles and oodles. I promise I’ll see you soon. Cross my heart. I love you. Bunches and bunches.
I watch as dots bounce on the screen but I’m interrupted from seeing her response when my doorbell rings. I look around, confused, because mom and dad said they were going to stay home tonight when I invited them with us.
I shuffle down the stairs and fling open the door, figuring it’s a delivery. Imagine my surprise when it was not a delivery.
“Nix. What-what are you doing here?” I look beyond him and see Anais’ car in the driveway, Vivian standing by it with her hands tangled together in front of her.
“Can I talk to you for a moment? I promise, I just want to talk. I brought Viv to be a referee,” he jokes, but I don’t laugh.
I dip my chin and hold the door open, moving to the side to allow them in.
Viv walks timidly towards me and before stepping in she says, “Hey Bish,” then wraps her arms around me in a quick hug.
“Hey Red,” I tell her with a short pat on her back.
I follow them upstairs and invite them to sit down.
“Would either of you like a drink?”
Vivian shakes her head, “No thank you. I’m good.”
Phoenix, however, says, “Yes. Please. I could really use some water.”
I grab one of Anais’ beloved mineral waters from the fridge and pop the top before handing it to him.
He takes a big gulp, practically drinking it all down in one swig, and says, “Thanks. I needed that.”
“Sure thing.”
He sets the bottle down and begins breathing heavily. Viv rubs his back, urging him to say what he came here to say. When he lifts his head, I see his eyes glistening and I almost fall over.
