Any time I have to leave Claira has always been hard on me, even if it was for work, with a family member, or even in instances like now. I wipe the tears away from my eyes, then turn to head to my family.
I find them all sitting in a row. There’s more than ten of us taking up a whole row in the auditorium.
“I can’t believe it’s her last recital of the season. Time is flying by,” I tell Jamie as I take my seat beside him. The whole family is here—my parents, Jamie, his mom, and Presley and Lyla’s families. My world has completely changed, and it’s only for the better.
“It feels like yesterday she was coming home from the hospital,” my mom whisper talks.
“We’ll have more memories to make. By this time next year, who knows? She could have a baby sister or brother to watch her, too,” Jamie grumbles in my ear. We’ve talked about adding children into the mix in the next couple of years, but the more I think about it, the more I want it before Claira gets too much older.
“I want that, so much,” I tell him. I hear not only my mother’s breath hitch in her throat, but also Jamie’s mother, Mariana.
“Let’s make sure Claira is okay with the next step before we start adding in children. Think she’ll be okay with that?” he asks.
“I think she’ll love it.” The lights dim, and we wait for Clairabella’s class to come out and do their dance. It’s not completely choreographed to perfection, although the audience doesn’t seem to mind. Each girl does a solo on their own before the next class comes on. When Claira’s class is done with their performance, we all get to our feet, clapping and screaming our praises to them.
“I’m not saying this because I’m biased, but Bella Bug totally stole the show,” Presley says before we take our seats to finish the show.
“You aren’t wrong. You should see her at home. It’s been nonstop tumbling, twirling, and dancing,” Jamie praises.
“Oh, we heard all about the tumbling mat you bought her. If you don’t watch out, Callie will need a bigger house,” my dad tells Jamie.
“Nope, I’m not leaving my home. It’s been Claira’s home since she was a baby. The area is amazing, the lot size is manageable, and it’s perfect. We’ll just have to shift some things around, clear out the old to keep the new.” I look at Jamie’s face, wanting to see his thoughts on this. I didn’t even need to bother to look; he’s at our place more than he’s at his own. He sneaks out in the mornings before Claira gets up for the day, acting like he comes over first thing in the morning. The smile on his face tells me everything. He may drive a ridiculously over-priced vehicle and have more money than anyone would know what to do with, but he loves the home I’ve created as much as I do.
“You can always build on an addition. The next time my dad is in town, ask him. He may even know a good contractor that works in this area,” Lincoln offers.
Jamie hooks his pinky with mine, giving it a squeeze. “What do you say about that idea? You’d still be in your home, have the same school district for Claira, the same neighborhood, and it would give us room to eventually expand our family.”
“It’s definitely something to consider,” I tell him. Jamie bends down, kissing my forehead before we finish watching the rest of the performers.
20
Jamie
When Claira’s performance is over, she takes my hand and says, “I’m riding in Mr. Jamie’s car, Momma.”
I look at Callie, and she just shrugs her shoulders. This actually works best. I have something important to ask Claira before I ask her mom.
“I’ll see you at Uncle Lincoln’s then.” She gives Claira a kiss and a hug, then turns to me once she’s buckled into the booster seat I bought for my car.
“You okay?” I ask her. I don’t ever want Callie to feel like I’m replacing her as a parent.
“I’m perfect, I promise. I hate that we had to take separate vehicles, but it made more sense to.” She has a serene smile on her face.
“Okay, I love you, mi Sol.” My thumb strokes her throat as I give her a soft kiss.
“And I love you, Jamie.”
“Well, I love you both, but I’m starving. All that dancing wore me out.”
I can’t help but chuckle. She’s the most dramatic six-year-old I’ve ever met; hell, she’s the only one I know. Her personality, though, shines through in everything she does.
“I’ll be right behind you,” I tell Callie. She nods in agreement, and I watch her until she reaches her car. When she’s inside and her car is started, I get in my own and say, “So, Clairabella, I have an important question to ask you.”