So here we were.
Ash sat tucked under Chris’s arm as he watched an animated princess movie with Cheyenne. They were all glued to the screen, not that this was surprising. Curling up on the couch and watching a movie had become part of their evening routine. Even dinner had carried on as usual. Everything was the same.
ButIwas different.
I wanted to talk to Chris about what happened yesterday. What was next in our relationship? Could I call him my boyfriend? Granted, I’d thought about these questions all day long. I knew what I wanted, but I wasn’t sure what Chris Gamble wanted.
I clapped my hands as the end credits rolled. “Bath time.”
“Do I have to? Can’t we watch another movie?” Cheye asked.
“No, ma’am. It’s bath time.”
She poked her bottom lip out and crossed her arms.
“Cheye, you’re going to listen to your aunt, right?” Chris asked.
She studied him, then turned to me. Finally, she stood and went over to Chris, giving him a hug. “Good night.”
“Night, sweetie.” He patted her back as her little arms attempted to hug his shoulders. Chris looked up at me. “You coming back for Ash or taking her now?”
She curled back into him. “Dada.”
Chris’s and my gazes widened. My heart dropped. I wanted to cheer, I wanted to cry. Instead, I cleared my throat. “I’ll come back. She took a bath yesterday, so I’ll skip one tonight.”
“’Kay. She likes watching old basketball reels anyway.”
I stifled a laugh.
Cheyenne held on to my hand and the railing as we descended into the basement. She went to get her bath toys as I ran the water, checking to make sure the temperature stayed perfect for a five-year-old.
“Aunt Erykah?”
I turned, looking at my niece over my shoulder. “Got your toys?”
She bobbed her head.
“Ready to get in?”
“Yeah. Are we gonna wash my hair too?”
That might take a little longer than I’d like, but we also hadn’t washed it in a while. “Sure. Want two braids?”
“Yes.” She beamed.
She undressed herself, but I helped her into the tub, making sure she didn’t slip. I sat down on the toilet lid as she played with her water toys. I was tired from the day, yet anticipation went through me at the thought of alone time with Chris after the girls went to bed.
“Aunt Erykah?”
“Yes?” I blinked, focusing on my niece.
“Can I ask a question?”
“Sure, sweetie.” I leaned forward.
“Mommy and Daddy are gone forever, right?”
I wanted to grab my heart. “Yes, but remember they’re in heaven. One day we’ll be there with them.”
