Page 46 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
“Orella Barnes,” she steps closer, offering her hand.
I approach and shake it. “What can I do you for?”
She’s folding a thick folder full of documents, and an ID tag hangs off her belt loop, but I can’t make out what it says.
“I’m with CPS. Routine check. As agreed, and I’m sure your lawyer explained, during your custody case with Miss Kristy Abrams, these will be unannounced visits,” she explains, glancing over at the car.
“We just went Christmas shopping. Let me inform my girls and my wife. As you may be aware, with the company my daughter’s mother still keeps, I can never be too cautious of strange cars showing up at our home.”
Her perceptive eyes study me, then give a nod. “Never can be too cautious,” she repeats. “Please,” she waves over at the car.
I walk back and bend inside my open door. I try communicating with Violet the situation, but quickly focus on the girls and grin. “Hey monsters, we have a visit from a nice woman from CPS.” I hate that they’re familiar with the term and how their bodies solidify at the title.
Violet twists in her seat and smiles. “Why don’t we invite her inside and offer her some of the specialty hot chocolate Miss Ava at Sweet Pines convinced us to buy?”
“Will we have to give her all the pink marshmallows?” Lucy worries.
Laughing softly, Violet shakes her head and leans in, lowering her voice. “How about we only give her the little ones we already have in the pantry instead?”
Lucy grins that evil, trouble-making smile of hers and I fear for our future. Silvie stays serious getting out of the car. I press my side up beside her and wrap my arm around her shoulders.
“Hey, Sil. Look at me.” When I have her concerned eyes, I squeeze her shoulders. “Everything is going to be fine. I promise.”
“I don’t want them to take us away,” she whispers.
My heart breaks into ten. I kneel down and gently cup my baby girl’s face. “No one’s taking you three away from me. Ever. I’m working hard on getting you girls full time. We’ve talkedabout this. Your mom needs to get some help so she can feel better again. No matter what happens, I am your father, and you three will come home to me. Okay?”
She glances over my shoulder, then back. “Okay.”
“I love you,” I tell her.
“Love you, Dad.” Never get tired of hearing that. “And I really like Vi.” All three have become comfortable enough to use her nickname. “She makes you laugh. You’re happy.”
Well, shit. Kids are so damn perceptive.
“I really like her, too,” I smile.
“You mean, you love her.”
Like I said.
Swallowing, I reveal a truth to my daughter I can’t hide. I have love for Violet. How deep that is, I’m still afraid to admit.
“I love her, yes. How can I not?”
She grins. Chuckling, I pull her in and kiss her head. Standing, I wrap my hand around her nape.
“Come on, you gremlin, let’s go encourage Lucy to be on her best behavior with this CPS lady.”
Silvie scoffs. “Good luck.”
Laughing, we both head inside.
My stomach is in knots for the next thirty minutes as Violet gives the woman a tour, offers cookies and hot chocolate, and Lucy recalls the entire day to her. I’ll give it to Ms. Barnes, she’s gracious and listens, then smiles along to every detail. Her last stop is asking Violet and me questions about our relationship before marriage, which luckily, we’ve talked at length since Kristy’s last visit and agreed on a story.
Our natural affection paints a convincing picture that seems to satisfy Ms. Barnes, who shakes each of the girls’ hands before leaving.
The front door closes, and I finally exhale.
