“Can you tell me what the deal is with some of the kids at preschool and Tabi?”
Sasha shrugs. “The problem is the shitty parents. Most pay a lot because it’s an exclusive preschool, but Rosie has a special rate because I work there. They found out. They’re also aware Tabi doesn’t know her dad. They ignore Rosie, and occasionally the children tease Tabi. Rosie keeps Tabi there because I work there, we take good care of the children, and there’s a couple of months before Tabi starts school. She doesn’t want her to deal with too much upheaval, but they’re dicks.”
I want to do something about it, but it’s not my place.
“But you didn’t hear it from me,” Sasha adds as she walks into the apartment. “Get in here. Your woman is waiting,” Sasha whispers, “and your dog’s trying to eat Tabi’s teddy.”
“Graham. She’s not yours,” Tabi says as I rush into the apartment.
I freeze.
Rosie is wearing a retro fan T-shirt from three years ago.
“You didn’t,” I say, and she turns and lifts her hair. My name is across her back.
She walks up to me, takes the bags, and whispers, “We must behave in front of Tabi, who's giving Graham a tour ofthe apartment, but I wanted you to know who I belong to, even if I can’t show in the way I want.”
She steps back, which is for the best because my body screams at me to pick her up and carry her to her bed so I can fuck her while she wears only that top.
“How hungry are you?” she adds, looking at the bags, although her added wink is a tease that makes my cock harden.
“Starving,” I growl before checking myself and pointing to the bags sheepishly. “I wasn’t sure if it was enough for us.”
“It’s plenty. Thank you.” She pulls a doll out of one of the bags and raises her eyebrows.
“I want Tabi to like me.”
“She will, and it won’t be because of what you bring. It will be because of you. But it’s very sweet of you.”
“You two make me hurl. Catch you later. Don’t wait up,” Sasha replies. “And you can change back into your joggers now, Rosie. He’s seen you in your sexiest jeans.”
I chuckle as Rosie blushes.
“Bye, nugget,” Sasha shouts to Tabi, who returns to us with Graham at her heel.
“Bye, Auntie Sasha. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t,” Tabi replies.
I raise my eyebrows, and Rosie says quickly, “That’s your first example of how Tabi picks up on and repeats everything. I’ve said it many times to Sasha.”
I laugh as Tabi stands in front of me. “Hello, Mr. Niki. Do you want to watch a movie with me and Graham?”
She holds her hand out and says, “It’s okay. I used a special lotion from Mummy so you can hold my hand if you want. It’s orange flavour san’tiser.”
Thank you, I mouth at Rosie as I take Tabi’s hand and let her lead me down the corridor.
CHAPTER 58
Rosie
My belly is nearly as full as my heart. Tabi finishes the last of her food. It’s taken several reminders that Graham can’t have pizza, but she’s got the message.
I can’t let myself hope this can be my present and future, but as she squeezes on orange sanitiser so she can play dolls with Niki, I long for these moments forever.
“Are you ready, Niki? I’m Cinderella.” She shoves a doll at him. “You’re the evil stepmother.”
“Okay.” He draws out the word.
Are you sure?I mouth to him, and he nods. I get to my feet. “I’ll tidy up.”
