She laughs. "So romantic."
"I'm trying." I nuzzle her neck, then turn her to face me.
We're close to one another.
"I know I owe you a real apology. So, here it is. I'm sorry for lying to you about your dad and Lyndall's mom. I should have told you when I found out...when I suspected it, and talked to you about the best time to tell Lyndall."
"You should have told me you were Alex too. And honestly, I don't know what the right thing is with that news.I'd have liked to have known it was a possibility, and definitely when you found out about her parentage, but I understand you were worried about whether our relationship could handle it." She takes my face in her hands.
"Fuck, I don't deserve you."
"I'm just hoping you can now see we are strong enough—I'mstrong enough—to handle anything that comes our way."
I kiss her tenderly on the lips. "I don't deserve how amazing and understanding you are."
She snuggles in closer. "That is true. Now, seriously. What do you think is going to happen between Lyndall and your dad?"
I sigh. "I don't know. He's the only father she has ever known, and it's not like she can forge a relationship with her real father."
"Do you think my dad knew the truth?"
Her mom didn't show any hints of leaving my father, but maybe? He might have guessed, or at any rate, it's likely he knew there was a possibility he was Lyndall's dad."
"I hope she'll be okay." She yawns.
I hope so, too. "Lyndall can handle anything."
Lola wakes when the front door slams, announcing Lyndall's return.
"I'm home!" Lyndall shouts.
She gives me a shove. "Go. I'll be fine." But she pulls me back and kisses me.
I kiss her back and smile. "You want me to stay now?"
"No. You should talk to her. I just wanted a goodbye kiss."
"I love your kisses. And I'm planning on that."
"Go easy on her. Lyndall's been through a lot."
I know that.
I bound down the stairs to find her in the kitchen, making pop tarts.
I eye the box on the bench.
"Where did those come from?" I donothave any pop tarts.
"Mario." She shoots me a look as she drags the box to her. Then she pours herself a Coke. "Are you here to ruin my life in some other way?"
My jaw clenches. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I knew earlier."
Lyndall softens and nods. "The affair isn't your fault. I'm not even that angry at you anymore. I just needed to vent my anger somewhere."
"Glad to be of service." Then I switch from light to potentially dark. "So, how did things go with Dad?"
Lyndall laughs. She looks at me. "Awkward. But...there's room. I think I need time away from him to process all of this. Is it okay for me to stay here indefinitely?"
