Page 53 of For One Night

“You’re not kidding, are you?”

Faith lays her hand on my cheek, kissing it. “Daddy doesn’t say no.”

“Dirty dog told me he does.” They giggle but continue to play until I force them out.

“It’s time. Come on.” I wave my hand.

They swim over slowly, splashing everything in sight. I help them out, guiding them to the guest bathroom. I start the water, waiting until it’s warm before plugging the bath.

“We can shower, Unc,” Hope says as she tries to sweep her hair behind her. It’s sticking to their faces and backs.

“Oh, even Faith?” I ask.

She nods. “Yep, it might be better. That way, we’re not in deep water alone.”

“You are your mother.” I bite my lip. “Okay.” I let the water out and stand.

Hope holds her hand up, blinking rapidly. “You have to help us out of these, they’re stuck.”

She’s right, the suits are like suction cups on them. Shit! “I’ll hold them and close my eyes, then you can step out.”

“Deal.” She nods with Faith mimicking her.

I pull the curtain over, leaving it slightly open. Kneeling between them and the shower, I take a deep breath. “Who’s first?”

Hope steps up, smiling. I grab the sides of her top, under her arms. “I pull, you wiggle out.” I jerk on the material.

“Okay, now the bottoms.” I frown but slide my hands down and push. I can tell when she steps out of them. “Now, Faith. I’m in the shower.”

I open my eyes to find Hope standing in front of me. “You hold on to my back if you need to.”

“Okay.” She nods wildly.

I repeat the process, holding her hand when she clasps it to climb in. Once I hear the curtain pulled, I open my eyes and release a sigh. “Are you two alright?”

“Yes, I can help Faith,” Hope shouts.

“I’ll go start dinner.” I pause at the door, worried that they’ll fall. “You okay?”

“Yes!” they cry.

I pick up their suits, taking them to the laundry room as I make my way to the kitchen. I decided to make homemade pizza the girls could help with once I get it started.

I have everything set out when they yell from the bedroom. I jog over, peeking in. “What’s up?”

“Our hair, it’s in knots,” Faith says as she strolls up to me.

“I can see that. Let’s get your special comb, and we’ll work on it.”

She takes my hand, walking with me to their bags. We grab the comb, and I get to work. It’s not perfect, but by the time Hope is ready, I have it mastered. “Now, would you like to help me make some pizza?”

“Yes, I’m so hungry.” Faith pats her belly.

They follow me to the kitchen, and I get them set up. We make our own personal pizzas and eat them around the island. I clean up as they enjoy their milkshakes I made to go with dinner.

“If you want, you can watch a little television while I finish cleaning in here. But only for thirty minutes, okay?”

Their eyes light up. “Yes!”