“Really?” Lexi asks.
“Yes. Now come on, you’ll have to show me where everything is.”
While Corey exchanges pleasantries with Alfred and Sadie, Lexi shows me where the cereal packets are kept, and we pour everyone a bowl of their favourite cereal.
“Today?” Corey asks.
Lexi and I carry the bowls over to the table carefully and then pour glasses of fresh orange juice for Corey and me and a glass of milk for Lexi.
“I’m sorry, but no, not today,” Corey says, his voice wavering slightly.
I look at him, smiling. He stares into my eyes.
“We have plans,” his voice is gaining confidence. “No, we can’t change them.” He presses his lips together until they’re nothing more than a thin line, void of colour. “It’s not really any of your business.”
They must have asked what plans he and Lexi have.
“Next Saturday?” he offers, pinching the bridge of his nose with his free hand. “You can pick her up at ten.” His expression relaxes, and he returns my smile. “You’re always welcome to see Lexi, but we really need you to arrange visits in advance. No more ringing up an hour before you want to pick her up.”
I nudge Lexi. “See? Your daddy sorted it.”
“My Daddy’samazing,” Lexi says.
“Yes, he is.”
“We’ll see you next weekend,” Corey says. “Bye.” He hangs up the call, sighing as he hugs the phone to his chest.
“Thank you, Daddy!” Lexi says, jumping up to hug him.
He strokes her hair, his gaze firmly holding mine. I nod and smile to show him how proud I am of him.
“You are spending next Saturday with them,” Corey tells Lexi.
“I know,” she says in a glum tone. “But I get to spend all day today with you?”
Corey grimaces. “Me and my marking?”
“I know I’m not as amazing as your Daddy, but you can hang out with me while he gets some work done,” I suggest.
Lexi grins. “Okay. Will you help me do my homework?”
“Of course.”
“You’re great too,” she tells me, sitting down. “But my Daddy is the best.”
Corey laughs. “That’s high praise. You should be honoured.”
“I am.” Very honoured indeed.
* * *
After spending the morning with Lexi, helping her do homework, and taking her to the playground while Corey did some planning and marking, we have a leisurely lunch and then walk to the house they are viewing. I’m still surprised that Lexi invited me to look at it with them. Now she’s accepted me, she seems to be taking my presence in Corey’s life in her stride. She didn’t seem at all put out to find us in bed together this morning, and she chatted happily to me the whole time we were at the playground.
The house is a cute red brick cottage, with wood panelling on the front that’s been painted dark grey. The estate agent is waiting for us outside. Lexi is holding both our hands, skipping and swinging as we walk down the street. The estate agent, a young woman, does a double take at Corey.
“I’m sure you had a tan when we met on Thursday, Mr Morris,” she says.
“That was my brother, Blake,” Corey explains. “We’re identical triplets.”
