I leaned back letting her words sink in.Is it possible to have a picture-perfect life with a blended family?
We sat there in companionable silence for a moment before Meredith started to sing.
“L is for the way you look at me,” she sang softly.
I laughed, joining in quietly. “O is for the only one I see…”
We sang the rest of the chorus together, our voices low so we didn’t wake Bebe.
Meredith tilted her glass toward mine with a grin. “To being smitten. And to figuring it all out.”
“To figuring it out,” I agreed, clinking my glass with hers.
CHAPTER 36
MY GIRLS
WILL
After leaving Natalie’s house, Ivy and I were in great spirits, singing along to the daddy-daughter mix we made. “My Girl” came on, and I smiled at her.
“This is our song now, officially,” I told her.
“I love that, Daddy,” she said, grinning.
When we pulled into the driveway, I spotted a light blue Hummer parked outside. My mood instantly shifted and clenched my jaw. Was that his car? It wasn’t even eight yet. I must have missed my Ring notification when this kid decided to show up early. The buzz from the evening evaporated in an instant.
Under my breath I said, “Are you kidding me?” not meaning for it to slip out with a tone.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Ivy asked, her little voice full of concern.
“Oh, nothing, sweetie. Madison and I just need to have a quick talk.”
“Uh-oh. Is she in trouble?”
“Probably,” I said. “I need you to be a big girl and head upstairs to get ready for bed on your own, okay? I’ll be up to tuck you in soon.”
“Sure thing!” she said, looking proud to handle it herself.
Inside, the house was quiet except for a faint glow coming from the theater room. The door was closed. My irritation grew as I approached, unsure what I might find. Without hesitating, I opened the door. “Goodfellas” was playing, and Madison and her boyfriend were under a blanket. I flicked the light on.
“Hi, Dad,” Madison said, casually.
“Hi, Mr. Parker,” the boy chimed in. “I’m Kellen.”
“Madison, can I speak to you outside? Now.”
“Uh… okay,” she said, looking confused.
Once we stepped into the hall, I crossed my arms and leveled her with a look. “What happened to waiting until eight?”
“Well, he was already close by at Drake’s house. It just made sense for him to come here,” she said, defensive. “Did you want me to tell him to wait in his car until you got back?”
“Yes, Madison. That’s exactly what I wanted. He shouldn’t have stepped foot in this house until I was home.”
“What’s the big deal? Mom lets him come over when she’s not home.”
“Really?” I snapped. “Well, this is my house, and the rules are different here. No boys are allowed in this house unless I’m here. Do you understand me?”
