“They do.” Wily squeezes my hand. “You may think you don’t like parenthood and that you’re a bad mom, but you’re seriously not. Those girls adore you. You’re fun and playful, and they know how much you love them. There’s not a doubt, Blake.”
I let out a heavy sigh and swallow again.
“And I’m not saying all this shit because I want you to change. I was just giving you my thoughts. It’s up to you what you do with them.”
My chin bunches, my jaw trembling as I nod and finally whisper, “I know I need to improve. I know it. I just haven’t had the energy… or the courage… to say no.” Slashing at my wet cheeks, I pull my shoulders back and bob my head. “But I need to start. Nichelle’s a born people pleaser, so she’s naturally pretty good, but Kendall…” I blow out a breath and share a knowing look with my brother.
He lets out a laugh. “Yeah, she’s a real spitfire, that one.”
“I don’t know where she gets it from.”
“Really?” Wily gives me a skeptical frown.
“What?” I lightly slap him with the back of my hand. “I was good. Just like Nichelle.”
Wily laughs. “You’re probably too young to remember the number of time-outs you were put in when you were Kendall’s age.”
“I was not.”
“You were too,” he argues. “You were the meltdown queen when you were a toddler.”
I give him a skeptical frown.
“I’m serious. Mom and Dad didn’t know what to do with you.”
My doubtful side-eye makes my brother laugh. “But look at you now. An ace photographer, an adored wife, a favorite aunt… and an amazing mom.”
I shake my head with a scoffing laugh.
“I’m serious.” He tips my chin, forcing me to look at him. “You are a great mom, because you love your girls completely and you want them to be themselves. You’re not forcing them into any boxes.”
Giving him a shaky smile, I nod and murmur, “But it wouldn’t hurt to maybe put up a few fences so they don’t run wild.”
“Well, that’s your call, but…” He fights a grin and then starts nodding. “Yeah, fences are good.”
He winks at me, then wraps his arm around my neck, pulling me in to rub his knuckles on the top of my head.
I squawk and the kids all glance over, laughing when they see the grown adults acting like kids.
Seb, of course, runs over to jump in on the action, followed by Olly and my sweet Nichelle.
Wily grabs the boys as they tackle him to the floor, and I pluck Nichelle off the ground and start tickling her before her little fingers can get me.
She squeals and laughs, and I revel in that sweet sound for a moment before pulling my daughter into a tight hug.
“Love you, baby.” I kiss her head.
“I love you too, Mommy.”
Closing my eyes, I rest my chin on top of her cheek and hope that I can say that to another little girl very soon.
Please, Grady, find our baby.
CHAPTER 31
SIENNA
“Kendall!” I shout, cupping my hands around my mouth. “Harley!”
