She refused.
Chris
Build her a fort?
Erykah
How?
Had she never had the opportunity to do so? He knew her childhood hadn’t been the best, but somehow her missing out on blanket forts saddened him. Chris searched the internet for a good video, then sent the link to her.
Chris
Here’s how to do it. You can use your blankets, and there are some more in the closet next to the guest room. You have free rein of all the house amenities.
Erykah
I’ll text you the results.
Chris
Please do.
He tucked his cell back into his interior pocket.
“You look happy,” Piper said, coming up to give him a side hug.
“And you look beautiful, Ms. Piper.” Her gown was simple in its design, but the pure joy on her face brought to mind the old adage of the person making the clothes, not the clothes making the person.
“Thanks,” she said. “I’m so glad you came out. I know you probably wanted to be near Erykah and the girls.”
Understatement. “They could stand to have me out of their hair.” But the thought choked him up. Was he holding them back? He’d promised to be there for Erykah, but what if she didn’t want him to be?
Déjà vu.
“I’m sure they miss you.”
“Well, I miss them.”
“I wanted to tell you to give Erykah my number. I’m not sure if she needs or wants another friend, but I’d happily be one.”
“Thanks. I’ll give her your number.” Piper was a loyal friend to have, and Erykah would be blessed to have her in her corner.
“How is she doing? The girls?”
“About as well as can be expected. Cheye has a hard time and throws tantrums regularly. But I’m sure a lot of kids would throw them for less. Ash is fussy, though I think she’s beginning to adjust.” Probably didn’t have to fight memories as hard as Cheye and Erykah were.
“I’ll keep praying for y’all.”
“Appreciate that.”
Tuck stepped up next to Piper, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Thought I’d come ask my wife to dance.”
She grinned. “I’m all yours.”
Tuck guided her to the dance floor, and a song came on that had them both grinning and melting into each other’s arms.
Chris was thankful he was going home on a flight tomorrow. As glad as he was to be here, the absence of Erykah was stark in the midst of the love fest. The only question was, Would she be happy he was under the same roof once more, or would she want more space?
