“Check out the bathroom,” Vance said to the girls, opening a door to reveal a soaking tub and a shower worthy of a spa. “And a walk-in closet.”
“We needed that for all of Vance’s clothes,” I said, nudging him with my elbow.
“I’m a dandy. I own it,” Vance said, pulling me against him.
“This is nice, but we want to see our rooms,” Mia said.
“Yes, yes. Onward,” Vance said.
Down the hall, Mia’s room was sophisticated but still young. She and Vance had pored over interior design magazines for inspiration. She’d said she wanted a room that seemedFrench. We’d chosen a powder blue paint for the walls and white furniture. I’d found a whimsical brass chandelier at an antique shop that Mia had been ecstatic over. An art corner, with an easel—shelves for her favorite books—a tufted upholstered bed with light bedding in layers of soft blue, white, and gray tones. I’d arranged a lamp, framed photos, and small plants on a white nightstand with gold-accented hardware. A white shag rug added warmth to the wooden floor. Soft, cream-colored curtains allowed natural light to pour in, highlighting the tranquil palette.
“This is mine?” Mia stood in the doorway, eyes wide.
“All yours,” I said.
“It’s perfect. Actually perfect.” She launched herself at me, squeezing tight. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Vance.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I said.
“Can we see mine now, please?” Margot asked.
“Yes, you’ve been very patient,” I said, taking her hand.
She’d asked for soft pinks and mints, white furniture, and fairy lights strung above the bed like tiny stars. I’d found floral bedding in shades of blush and cream. A gallery wall of empty frames, waiting for her own photos and art. Small plants in woven baskets, their leaves reaching toward the light. A cozy reading nook by the window where the afternoon sun spilled across the floor. And in the corner, suspended from the ceiling—a white macramé egg chair with soft cushions and a fuzzy throw. A place for a little girl to dream big dreams.
“A swing,” Margot said. “I have a swing in my room.”
“Is it what you imagined?” I asked. She’d pointed one out in a magazine, and I’d searched for days to find the exact right piece.
“It’s even better,” Margot said.
“And do you see who’s sitting there?” Vance asked.
“My rabbit.” Margot ran to the chair and picked up the stuffed animal, brushing her fingers over his plush ears. We’d washed and fluffed him, but he still looked well-loved. “Where did you find him?”
“He was in one of the boxes with the things I saved,” Vance said. “I don’t remember putting him in there.”
She didn’t respond with words. Just ran to Vance, throwing her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Papa.”
He held her, his own eyes wet, and I saw Mia wipe her tears too.
Margot tested the swing, laughing, with the rabbit on her lap “This is the best room ever. The best house. The best family.”
“Scootch over,” Mia said, sitting beside her on the swing. “We can’t get any bigger or we won’t fit in here together.”
“But Mom says to take up space,” Margot said.
I froze.Mom. She’d called meMom.
“Figuratively,” Mia said.
“What’s that mean?” Margot asked, resting her head on Mia’s shoulder, petting her bunny.
As Mia tried to explain, we left them alone, heading back downstairs to fix dinner for the first time in our new home.
Later, after dinner, we all gathered in the living room. I tapped a spoon against my wine glass. “Margot, I have something for you.” I got up to get the scrapbook I’d put together for her, then placed it on her lap. “I took all the photos Papa had and other mementos in there for you, just like Mia’s.”
Margot’s eyes went wide. “I can’t wait.”
