“Okay, Ashley time for bed.”
Looking up at me from the floor where she was sitting while Michael and Cooper painted her fingernails, she frowned.
“What time is it?” she demanded.
“I just told you.” I laughed, “Time for bed.”
“Does Cooper have to go to bed?” she questioned.
“Calum isn’t back yet.” I sighed.
“What if he never comes back?” Ashley demanded, “Does he never have to go to bed?”
“Ashley.” I groaned, “Today has been a long day, I’m tired, I have a headache and I need a drink.”
“Like a fruit bunch drink or beer?”
“Beer, strong beer.”
Rolling her eyes, Ashley looked down at her fingernails.
“What if I read you a bedtime story?” Michael offered.
“Which one?” Ashley asked.
“Whichever one you want.” He replied.
“Any one I want?”
Michael nodded.
“Okay fine.” She sighed, “Night Dad.”
“Goodnight.” I chuckled.
Running up to me she gave me a hug before grabbing Michael by the hand and dragging him out of the room behind her. Glancing at me, then at Ashley’s retreating back, Cooper rose to his feet before following after the two of them.
Once they were gone I crossed over to the refrigerator in the room and removing the drink I’d been waiting for all day poured myself a glass. Sitting down on the couch I drank it slowly before wandering to the bedroom and poking my head inside.
Smiling to myself at the sight before me I shifted slightly so as not to be seen.
Michael was sat on the bed with Ashley and Cooper leaning against him on either side, Ashley’s book which she’d made me read to her every night since my Mom bought it for her and Minnie was propped up on his lap while he read slowly, using his hands to sign the words so that Cooper could understand.
“Mommy told me that my little sister went to Heaven.” He read.
Sucking on her thumb, a habit I was trying to rid her off before she jacked up her teeth, Ashley listened intently.
“I’m glad that my little sister went to Heaven.” Michael said softly, “But, I would like to have met her first.”
Looking down at the kids on either side of him, Michael closed the book.
“Uncle Michael?” Ashley questioned.
“Yeah?” he replied, crawling out of the bed and pulling the duvet over Ashley.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked.
“You just did.” He chuckled.
“Something else.” She sighed.
“Yeah of course.” He chuckled, kneeling down beside the bed and resting his head on his elbows, “What’s up Ashes?”
“Did Edward and Emilia go to Heaven?” she questioned.
His forehead wrinkling, Michael ran his fingertips through his hair, “Of course they did Ashley.”
“So they’re angels?” she pressed.
