Miles
Two hours after Vicky left, I was still reeling from the bomb she dropped. She was leaving, and I had not been prepared for that news at all. The only reason I hadn’t fallen apart completely was that kiss. I texted Katy to let her know that I’d need to pick MJ up in the morning to say goodbye to Vicky, grateful she hadn’t asked for more information.
I still couldn’t believe she gave me her first kiss. I touched my lips as the memory of it replayed in my mind like a favorite song that I never want to end. It was tame compared to what I wanted to share with her, but it was pure perfection.
Jolted from my dreamlike state by my phone, I lunged for it, hopelessly wishing for it to be her.
Katy:Hey. I think you might want to come get MJ
Not bothering to answer the text, I called her. “Hey, what’s wrong? Is she okay?” I asked nervously, already shoving my keys and wallet in my pocket and walking out my door.
“Yes, yes. Sorry. Should’ve led with her being okay. She saw your text about Vicky leaving and you needing to pick her up in the morning, and she got upset.”
“It’s okay. Be there in about twenty.”
As I drove, I practiced what I’d say to my daughter who was probably feeling like yet another woman in her life was leaving her, exactly what Iwanted to avoid. Although I’d never regret spending time with Vicky and having her be a part of MJ’s life, I knew the fallout would be devastating.
Just as I imagined, my beautiful daughter greeted me at the cottage door with tears in her eyes. She was wrapped in one of Katy’s long sweaters that nearly touched the ground, her fuzzy unicorn slippers peeking out. No matter the season, her go-to was something soft and cozy when she was upset.
“Hey, hey, come here, kiddo,” I said, rushing up to her and holding her tightly as I lifted her into my arms.
“Why does she h-have to go, Daddy?” she asked, sobbing as she spoke.
Katy looked at me with compassion as she rubbed MJ’s head.
“This is a great opportunity for her, kiddo,” I explained. “It was never promised that she’d be able to stay. Her family and friends are there, and they miss her terribly.” I was trying to convince myself as much as my daughter.
She lifted her head, big tears falling quickly. “Butwe’reher family, too, Daddy. I thought she’d choose us.”
Her words tore through my heart, leaving devastation behind. It was the same feeling I had when Katy didn’t choose us either, and I could see her realize the meaning of MJ’s words as she looked away sadly.
“MJ, you are loved so much by so many people. You’re surrounded by them. And believe me, Vicky is in that group. Listen, she asked me for one thing,onerequest, and it was to be able to see you and say goodbye.”
This made her cry harder, but I knew once she settled down, the sentiment would make her feel better.
“Let’s go, sweet girl. You can leave all your stuff here with Mom til tomorrow and maybe see if you want to do your sleepover another night this week.”
She nodded and hugged Katy, letting me carry her to the car.
“Call you tomorrow so we can make some plans,” I told Katy after getting MJ to the backseat.
“No worries. I’ll be here waiting,” she said, waving as we pulled away.
MJ stayed quiet on the way home, and I knew she was processing her feelings. She needed space and time to work through everything, so I told her I’d be waiting whenever she was ready to talk again.
When we got back to our house, she took my hand. “Daddy, can I sleep with you tonight?”
“Absolutely, kiddo. Did you brush your teeth?”
“Yeah, Mom made me do it for like fivewholeminutes,” she complained.
I chuckled as we walked to my room, lifting the comforter for her to get in.
“I’ll go get ready for bed and be right back.” Hurrying through my routine, I slipped in across from her in my king-size bed. She was still awake, lost in thought.
Finally, she turned to me. “I’m happy for Vicky to be able to go back to her family. And super proud of her new job. She’s the best designer in the world.”
I took her hand and kissed it. “Yeah, I agree. I’m proud of her, too.”
