I bow my head, clenching my teeth, trying to remind myself of my girls being adults now. Yet, no matter how hard I try, the state of unrest is engrained into me. My chest tightens as Charlotte pats my shoulder with a soft laugh.
“Oh shit, sorry Dad,” Ava mumbles only to continue, “… but true story.”
The door opens, saving me from a stroke. What perfect timing since it’s Masen and Addison joining us. I bury Ava’s inappropriate references to focus on them with a welcoming smile. It’s only been a few months since they moved to San Francisco, but I miss seeing Addison since she’s no longer a short drive away.
“Hey, everyone,” they greet in unison.
Around the room, Masen and Addison hug everyone until they reach where I’m sitting, prompting me to stand from the chair.
Placing Emmy down, I stand tall, admiring how grown-up and mature Addison has become. Of all the girls, she’s been the easiest, and perhaps it’s because she’s lived a simple life without unnecessary drama. The relationship with Masen is not something I’m against since I’ve known the kid since he was born. I’m just hoping they take the time to focus on their careers before starting a family. Masen has already taken over the CEO position at Lantern Publishing, and Addison just started a new job while finishing her degree at the same time.
Addison wraps her arms around my waist, laying her face against my chest as I kiss the top of her head. Inside my arms, she’s still my little girl.
“I’ve missed you, kid.”
“I know. I’ve missed you too,” she murmurs, pulling away slowly. “I’m still waiting for you to come visit. You’d love the view from our apartment. It’s very Lex Edwards.”
I chuckle softly. “And exactly what does that mean?”
“A view of the Bay Bridge located in the heart of the historic Financial District.”
Unable to hold back my smile, I caress her cheek with the back of my hand. “You know me better than I know myself. Once you return, I’m sure your mother and I can make some time to visit.”
Ava calls attention to the time, prompting everyone to say their goodbyes and leave for the airport.
As suspected, Amelia cries while hugging her boys. They hug her tight, asking her if she has happy tears, to which she nods with a smile. Her youngest son, Alexander, named after me, of course, is only four months old and too young to understand what is happening.
Ava, who previously was relaxed, suddenly appears anxious. Austin is quick to notice, rubbing her lower back as her face turns white like she’s about to be sick. He asks her if she needs to use the bathroom, but she shakes her head and straightens her shoulders. They both kiss their daughters, then each one of them says goodbye to Charlotte and me.
“Are you sure you can handle this, Dad?” Amelia asks again.
“Yes, Amelia.”
Will scratches his chin. “Don’t let me down in tomorrow's presentation. I might accidentally ask the Chairman in Cantonese if he enjoys his wife in the hotel again.”
“Oh my god, you asked that?” Amelia cringes.
“I was meant to ask if he and his wife enjoyed spending time using the hotel's facilities. As Lex said, Cantonese is not my strongest skill.”
“No, it isn’t,” I agree, then continue, “… let me lead tomorrow. You will know your cues.”
“Are we ready?” Masen asks, checking the time. “The traffic on the 405 is a nightmare at this time.”
“The 405 is a nightmare all the time,” Addison corrects him.
“Your father and I will be fine, I promise,” Charlotte reassures them. “Now, have fun, enjoy your child-free time, and we’ll FaceTime once you’re settled, okay?”
Masen opens the door, prompting everyone to follow him. Since he doesn’t have kids, his patience wears thin waiting for everyone to say their goodbyes. The drivers are outside, waiting to load their suitcases since they need two cars to get to the airport.
With Charlotte beside me, we wave goodbye to the kids, but just before Ava climbs in, she stops with her hand resting on the door.
“No sex with Mom while the kids are awake. Control yourself, Dad.”
And just like that, Ava knows exactly how to make a moment memorable. Beside me, Charlotte laughs, knocking into my side with her elbow. “Did you hear that? We have rules.”
The door closes, then the driver toots his horn as they drive down the driveway.
I nod with a smirk, turning to face Charlotte as I stare into her beautiful brown eyes. No words need to pass between us because everything we have, everything we are, can be felt with just one weighted gaze.