“Geez, Dad. You’re overreacting. I babysat the boys for you, and he’s only been here for like twenty minutes. Check your Ring!”
“Madison,” I said, my voice firm. “If you break the rules, Kellen won’t be allowed over at all. And while he is here, the door stays open, the lights stay on, and there’s no more sitting under a blanket. Got it?”
“Fine,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.
“And he leaves at ten. No later.”
“Ten-thirty?”
“Madison…” My tone warned her not to push me.
“Fine. Ten,” she said, spinning on her heel. Her long blonde hair whipped around, a stark reminder of Kelly. The resemblance was uncanny, but the attitude… that wasn’t like the Kelly I knew. Had our divorce caused this behavior in Madison?
I went upstairs to check on Ivy and the boys, needing a reprieve. Bebe was already tucked in, flipping through herMadelinebook.
“Hi, Daddy! I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and got in my PJs all by myself. I’m growing up!”
I laughed. “You are, but slow down, okay? I want you to stay little for a long time.”
She smiled, proud of herself. “I’m just reading about Madeline and how she got her appendix out, like Bebe.”
“Yep, just like Bebe. But it’s late. Time for sleep.”
As I tucked her in and turned off the lights, she said softly, “I love you, Daddy. You know, it’s okay if you like Miss Natalie. I like her too, and I love Bebe.”
I laughed. Winning over Ivy was easy. I couldn’t imagine what Madison would say about Natalie. She’d probably run off with Kellen in protest.
I went to check on the boys, who were spread out on the floor of Carter’s room trading baseball cards. “Alright, time to wrap it up and get ready for bed,” I told them.
They barely looked up, muttering, “Okay dad.”
Watching them, I couldn’t help but think how nice it was that they were so close, and still so innocent.
My phone buzzed.
Natalie: How’s the boyfriend? Try to stay calm.
I smirked at my phone, grateful for her sense of humor.
Will: He showed up early. I’m livid. Madison said he was just around the corner, so it “made sense” for him to come here.
She responded almost instantly.
Natalie: Yikes.
Will: No kidding. I should’ve told him to leave, but she claims her mom lets him come over when she’s not there. Either Kelly’s doing things differently, or Madison’s lying through her teeth.
Natalie: Hang in there, Papa Bear. Meredith is trying to get me drunk.
Will: I like drunk Natalie. When can we go on a date?
Natalie: I was going to ask if you have a date for the opening of Piers?
Will: Lucas’ restaurant?
Natalie: And Jasper’s. Be my plus one?
Will : A chance to make that handsome Brit jealous? I’m in.
