Page 27 of Then Came You

"Daddy, daddy, look, look, Zee Zee’s a giant cone head." Her screech can be heard by dogs, but what she says makes my sides hurt. One of us will have to explain to her not to say that phrase again.

"I can see that, princess. Aren’t you a lucky duck to have such a silly big brother." I walk in and close the door behind me.

"Hey mate," I offer. I’m over the little tiff we seem to be having, but I’m not sure if he is.

"What are we doing tonight, Zee Zee. What are we doing!" She tugs at his hands to lead him back to the open-plan kitchen/living/dining area.

"What do you mean! Mr. Frosty has opened up his ice cream parlour, and we’re making ice cream!"

It’s then Haven scans the kitchen and understands the plan. I’ve got to hand it to Zee; he’s outdone himself with hiring a gelato display chest freezer that has 14 slots for different flavours. Of course, all of them are filled with different ice creams, including Haven’s favourite - blood orange. Then there’s the countertop that has at least 40 different bowls of toppings, ranging from cornflakes to marshmallows, to popping candy, and even dehydrated fruits. It’s wild, and a part of me wants to stay, but a bigger part of me, and a big appendage of mine, wants to see Row more.

"This is the coolest in the entire world. I love it. Zee Zee, I love it." Haven is beside herself.

She races over to the bar, giving me a chance to check in with my son.

"How have you been? We missed you on the weekend."

"I just hung out with some friends and needed to catch up on some study."

"I’m proud of you, son." I didn’t mean to be hard on him, I just know how difficult medicine can be. His lips curl upward, forming a gentle smile that reaches his eyes. I can tell my praise means something to him.

"Anyway, what are you doing tonight?" He asks, slowly shifting us back to normal. He’s opening the door at least, and I’m not going to miss the chance to walk through it.

Still, there’s no way I’m revealing ‘hopefully getting lucky’.

"Probably catch up on work and sleep. Your sister has made me watch almost every Disney movie this wee2." If I never hear 'Let it Go' again, it still won’t be long enough.

"Want me to drop her home tomorrow morning?"

Just in case things go in my favour tonight, maybe not. The last thing I need is for my kids to walk in on me with Row. I’m being overly presumptuous here, but God, I hope I wake up with her naked in my bed.

"How about I pick her up at 11, or if you need to be elsewhere just send me a text and drop her to Grandad’s."

A shatter of broken porcelain breaks our conversation. "Sounds good." He turns toward the kitchen where Haven has spilled the entire plate of sprinkles over the floor.

"Oops," Haven stares at the broken plate.

I stare at my son. "Good luck. One more thing. She’s going to try to arm wrestle you into things for her party. I’ve promised her a jumping castle and someone to spray paint hair, please don’t say yes to anything else," I warn with a groan.

"I can’t make any promises," he says cheekily, winking at Haven, as if they’re going to be colluding all night together. They’re going to send me insane and broke. I can see it.

"You’re both evil. Come give Daddy a hug, Haven." She scampers down carefully, away from the mess, scurries over, tackles into me, and wraps her little arms around my thighs. "I love you, princess. Call me if you need anything, okay?" I kiss the top of her head.

"I love you too, Daddy."

"Love you, Zee." I pull him in for a hug.

"You too, Dad." I don’t get the 'I love you' anymore, but I’ll take the 'You too'. Same thing, right? That’s just code for 24-year-olds.

Time to go see my Tinker Bell.

Chapter 12

Blade

Forgive me, Lord, for I am about to sin.

Whatever thread of self-control I've had up until this point has vanished at the vision standing a few feet away.

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