Devon's Decision's

Page 20

The kids ran in with towels around them and hair that had dried in the wind was crusty. Both bounced in front of Jake and I grinning wide.

"We had so much fun. Angelo taught us how to shift and catch fish in the lake. It was a little slimy but it was good." Grace said.

"We played basketball, in the lake. It was awesome." I laughed.

"I'm so glad you two had fun. But now you need baths. Upstairs grab clothes and head for the bathroom."

"Can I shower first then Michael can have his bath?"

"Yes, that will be fine. Be sure to wash your hair and scrub everywhere. I'll make you redo it if you don't come out clean. Michael do you want to wait and use the tub after she's done or we can use the master bath."

"No I want to do it now. That way we can play before dinner."

"Okay, go get clothes I'll be up in a minute." Both kids ran off. Angelo had come in and was off to one side drinking a fresh cold bottle of water. "Thank you. They had a blast, I can tell. Any trouble?"

"Just kid stuff. Nothing important. The biggest problem was when the basketball goal came untied from the dock and started drifting away. One of the dad's had to chase after it. I think I'll head for a shower myself." More of the pack trickled in and I went to help Michael wash. He was in the hall outside the room he and Grace were sharing. Clothes and towels in his arms.

"Got underwear?"

"Yes." He says. I follow him to Jake's room and into the bathroom. He stripped while I got warm water going and put in some soap to make bubbles. Once in and scrubbing I saw him yawn. He was completely worn out.

"Papa?"

"Yes?"

"Is it alright that I'm sad that Angelo won't be our daddy? I like him."

"It's alright to feel like that. Angelo is a really good person. He might not be your daddy but he is a great guy and will always be your friend. He's sort of like an adopted uncle. He wants to keep doing things with you and Grace and be your friend. He loves you guys."

"Are we going to move in here? Angelo said we would. Then we'd be here and see him a lot."

"Yes we are. We'll probably move in sometime soon. Is it okay to share a room with Grace for a while?"

"Yes. I like having her there. Makes me feel extra protected."

"That's good. Maybe you can ask Jake if you two can decorate it in things that you and Grace like."

"Papa, why don't you mate Andy. He is the babies daddy."

"Well Andy and I, we have a friendship. He and I spent time together at the old house. That's how I got pregnant. But we don't love each other the way that Jake and I love each other."

"He said it was alright that we call him papa Andy because he's the twins dad. Is that alright?"

"Sure, if you want too. Did you ask him about that?"

"Yes."

"Okay, turn, let's wash your hair." He turns his back to me and keeps rubbing his arms and legs down. "Don't forget to wash your pee-pee and bottom." He nodded and got more soap on his rag to wash with. I used Jake's shampoo to get his hair clean then let him play with the bubbles some before standing up and letting me rinse him off. Then it was drying all over and dressing. He was even more tired now. I was sure he'd curl up somewhere and nap before dinner. We found Grace in their room. She was brushing her hair. Or attempting too. It was long and thick. Hard to brush herself.