“Of course.” I go to where she’s playing on the floor and sit with her.
She hands me a brush, telling me, “You need to brush her hair. It’s a knotted mess. Then I’ll teach you how to braid it.”
“Okay, you can do that, but it might take you a while,” I tell her as I start to work on the baby doll’s hair.
“You’re lucky that’s Lucy’s hair you’re brushing. She doesn’t mind how long it takes.” Claira is giving me her toothless smile.
“Well, that’s a good thing then,” I reply.
After a few minutes, Callie comes to sit next to me. She takes one of the other baby dolls, brushing its hair as well. Claira explained to me these were once her mother’s American Girl Dolls she had when she was a little girl.
“Are you spilling the beans?” Callie asks.
“No way, I’d never spill all of the beans,” she exaggerates on the all part.
“Sure, sure. I know where you sleep,” Callie says before she starts tickling Clairabella. I somehow get roped into the tickling fiasco until we’re all rolling around on the ground, laughing hysterically.
“Okay, you three. Dinner is just about ready. You need to wash up.” I see Nancy standing above us with her hands on her hips, a smile playing on her face.
I get up first, helping Callie to her feet, then helping Claira next.
“I’m going to wash my hands. We’re having one of my favorites, and I helped make it.” She marches off to the bathroom, full of sass.
“You do realize, if you have more children, what you’re preparing yourselves for, right?” Callie’s mom is looking at both of us.
“Game freaking on,” I tell them both without a care in the world.
“Welp, my job here is done. Your father probably needs help setting the table.” She scurries off.
“Do you mean it?” Callie asks me.
“Hell yes, I do. I know we haven’t said the words, but Mi Sol, you have to know it by my actions.” I place her hand on my heart before saying, “I love you, Callie. You and Clairabella, I love you so much that my heart aches when I’m away from you two.”
“I love you, too, Jamie.” She flings herself into my arms, kissing me, not deepening it because we’re in her parents’ house, but wanting to desperately.
“I want in!” Claira exclaims, and then she’s wrapping her arms around our legs. That doesn’t last for long. I scoop her up in my arms and hug my two girls close to my chest, right where they belong.
19
Callie
“Today is the day! Are you ready?” I ask Claira. She has her leotard, shoes, and makeup on, and her hair is in the tightest bun I’ve ever managed. There’s something to be said about girls with long, thick, red hair. It’s a nightmare to work with if it doesn’t listen.
“Of course, I am, Momma! Plus, Mr. Jamie has been helping me all week with my tumbling.” She stands proud and tall.
“You are going to do so well. I’m so proud of you. It’s time to go. Jamie said he’d meet us there with Ms. Mariana,” I tell her.
“Oh, yes! Everyone is going to be there, and Mr. Jamie said we’re all going to dinner tonight at Uncle Lincoln’s place. Just the family. I can’t wait! Lots of broccoli and macaroni and cheese!” she exclaims.
“Sounds like you and him have it all planned out. What else are you two keeping from me?” I wiggle my eyebrows, knowing good and well he wouldn’t keep anything major from me. But, the two of them go together like peanut butter and jelly. I’m waiting for the day she asks when he’s moving in or if she can call him the D word.
“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all, Momma. We could never do that.” Her hip is jutted to the side with her hand on it.
“Sure, come on. We can’t be late for your own dance recital.” I make my way to the front door and grab my purse, phone, and keys. Then we head to meet our friends and family to watch her perform. We hop in the car, buckle up, and then we’re on our way.
“Mommy?” she questions.
“Yes, Clairabella.”
“Can we listen to my Kids Bop?” Her little body is already wiggling in her seat, getting ready for her music.
“You’ve got it.” I turn on what she requested, and the two of us jam out the whole way there. Three songs in, we make it to our destination, park, and hop out. She says her hellos to everyone, and then it’s time for me to take her to the staging area.
“I love you, Claira. Have the best time ever. I’ll see you when you’re finished.” I give her a hug, her little arms wrapping around my neck.
“I love you, Momma. Make sure I can see where you sit. I want to see our whole family.” Claira’s little hands hold my cheeks as she gives me a kiss, and then she leaves me without a care in the world.