This situation is horrible. Of course, she has every right to read that statement ensuring the man who hurt her gets as much time as possible. As his father, however, it’s the last thing I want. Nash is guilty, and I need to let whatever happens, happen. I can’t get involved. I will not ask Mercy not to read the statement, I won’t hurt her like that.
“I’ll go with you.”
I turn into Xander’s gated community. “I will have to go to work after.”
She nods, “I need to go to the school and enroll, Ivy.”
I squeeze her hand lightly, “I love you, baby girl.”
“I love you too,” she smiles.
We pull into Xander’s driveway, and Ivy says, “I hope they like me.”
I look in the rearview mirror, “Of course, they will like you. You’re a wonderful little girl.” As I put the car in park, a big smile spreads across her face.
Isabella comes to the door, smiling as always, and holds it open for us.
“Who is this beautiful girl?” She squeals as we all shuffle in.
Mercy pipes up, “Isabella this is Ivy, Ivy can you say hello to Isabella?”
Ivy smiles shyly, “Hello.”
I close the door behind me as Isabella says, “I heard you like princesses. Come with me.”
We walk through the front of the house to a sitting room. This house is amazing, Xander had it built the way he wanted. When you first come in, there’s a foyer, then as you walk to the left, a sitting room, to the right is a large kitchen, and the stairway leads to all the bedrooms, as well as his and Isabella’s offices. The sitting room is decorated with modern touches, with two couches and four chairs.
There are several princess toys on the coffee table. I roll my eyes at Isabella.
“Shush!” She says.
“These are for you to play with when you're here, Ivy. I don’t want you to get bored.”
She immediately goes for the Elsa Barbie and sits down to play with it.
“Thank you,” she smiles shyly.
Xander and Elle come in with drinks as we all get comfortable.
Mercy sits beside me, and I put my arm around her as we sip our drinks.
“Elle, do you have plans tomorrow?” Mercy asks.
“I don’t. I’ve taken a temporary leave from work. I’m not sure when or if I’m going back.”
I raise my eyebrow at her in question.
“Losing my parents made me realize how important family is.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. I love my little sister so much.
“Anyway, what’s up?”
Mercy clears her throat, “Tomorrow is Nash’s sentencing, and if you weren’t going, I was hoping you’d sit with Ivy.”
Ivy gets up and goes over to Isabella and sits on the oversized chair with her. I watch in delight as they play with the two Barbies Ivy has.
“I would like to be there, but if you need me.”