“Hey, baby girl.” I put my finger to my mouth, telling her we need to be quiet, as Piper lifts her arms up and says, “Up, pwease, Dad-dad.” A new version of my name she’s christened me with.
“Let’s go hang out with Cammy, okay? Bailey needs to get some sleep,” I tell her once she’s in my arms. Piper is the complete opposite of Cammy, not in looks but personality. Whereas Cammy is fiercely independent, Piper has no problem being the opposite, getting rides in the arms of someone instead of walking. If Cammy is getting a drink, Piper will say two words, and Cammy is doing it for her.
“Bai-Bai okay?” she asks, a wet hand hitting my cheek because she wants my eyes on hers.
“She will be. Is Cammy with Nana?” Piper nods. I make my way down the hallways, then we’re on the stairs, my girl making this weird noise as I practically run us down the stairs, a giggle forming in between the blubbering thing she does.
“There you are. Perfect timing. Both the girls had a small nap and a snack, lasagna is in the oven, salad is in the fridge, and I’m heading home.” She has her bag in her hand, and I guess Mom is ready to get out of here.
“Thanks, especially for dinner.” I move towards her. Piper’s arms wrap around her neck, giving her a squeeze as soon as I’m in reaching difference.
“Not a problem. Bailey’s phone is on the counter. If you need anything, call us. I washed your sheets before you guys came home today as well as brought a few things over from Bailey’s place. You really do need to order a new mattress for the guest room.” The arching of her eyebrows is telling. She’s not wrong. I’m also positive that my mom would never complain sleeping with one of the girls in their beds either, which I’m sure she did.
“I’ll get right on that. Go relax with Dad. I appreciate you, Mom, more than you know.” Piper wiggles her legs to get down, allowing her to go off to do her thing and then give my mom a hug.
“We’re always here for you. Now go spend time with your family. I love you.” She pulls away, walks to the front door. I follow her to unlock, open it, then relock it once she’s situated in her car and pulling out of the driveway.
“Hey, girls, Dad has an important question to ask you.” I turn around. The girls are sitting on the floor, bins scattered around them. The organization Bailey took care of has gone to hell. I sit next to them. Cammy looks at me with hopeful eyes. Piper is coloring, well, mainly scribbling since Bailey isn’t down here to do it with her.
“Is something wrong?” Cammy asks. Hopefully, after Madden gets things sent over to the attorney and then to the detectives, nothing will ever be wrong again.
“Nope, nothing is wrong at all. This is good news, I promise.” My hand cups her cheek. So much worry locked up in one tiny body. “This is about Bailey. How would you feel about Bailey and me dating?” I don’t elaborate that we’ve kept things quiet or that she’s been spending the night once the girls go to sleep, then sneaking out early in the morning. Obviously, she can’t do that now, and I don’t want her to either. This is real. The only people I’m worried about who won’t like this are Cammy and Piper.
“Me wuv Bai-Bai.” Piper stands up, clapping her hands, dancing in place. I’m sure she doesn’t quite understand what’s going on, so while I’m happy she’s happy, the person who really needs to give me an answer has me on pins and needles as Cammy puts her finger to her chin, tapping.
“I know you love Bailey. I do, too.” That makes Cammy light up, no longer staying coy about what she’s thinking on the inside.
“Does this mean she’d be more than our nanny?” Cammy asks.
“It would. She’d be my girlfriend and would be around even more.”
“I’ve seen you kiss her, Daddy. Your secret wasn’t that good.” More mature than her years. Sadly, that’s a part of going through trauma at such a young age.
“No, it wasn’t, so what do you say? Are you okay with Bailey and me?” I ask again. Cammy doesn’t respond again, making me worry until I see her eyes are focused over my shoulder. The next thing I know, Cammy is standing up and making fast moves until she reaches Bailey, standing right in front of her.
“I’m really okay, Daddy. Bailey is the best person ever.” Cammy wraps her arms around Bailey, gently, while I watch as the woman I love holds my oldest daughter close to her with one hand to her mouth as silent tears stream down her face. I’d say the seal of approval is signed, sealed, and delivered as Bailey mouths, I love you.