No Letting Go [Completed]

Twenty-Three

"Alright, lets get you ready for bed." I say as spongebob goes off. It's the last night I have with Riley until she comes back from New York. I decided not to be an asshole and keep her with me on purpose.

"Daddy, I'm not sleepy."

"You may not be sleepy, but I am and so is simba...look, he's already outta there." I say pointing to him. He's asleep on her lap.

"Well can I stay up and watch tv after I bathe."

"Yes you can. Now go upstairs and go take a bath." She takes simba upstairs with her and I make sure the house is locked down, and all the lights are shut off.

I go upstairs and go to her bathroom. It actually took me a while to be comfortable being in the bathroom when she's taking a bath. I didn't know if she was comfortable...but I've gotten over it. She's my child and I'll never do anything to her, and she knows that.

"Can I wash my hair?"

"Not tonight...It's late, daddy's tired, and you know how long it takes to get your hair all situated."

I remember try first attempt to do her hair. Washing and conditioning it was easy. It was the moisturizing and putting it into a ponytail that was hard...but I got it down like a pro. Only thing I don't know how to do is straighten it. Leaving that for her mama.

"Okay.." She finishes and I get her all tucked in bed. I sit next to her afterwards. I stare at her, and almost start crying. My eyes do get watery a little bit. I start thinking about if Aaliyah is trying to move, and if I can't get full custody, I lose apart of me. Riley's gonna be on the other side of the country. Summer time, it'll be easy to visit, but when the season start...I'll only be limited to phone calls. That ain't enough.

"What's wrong daddy?"

"I don't know little bear. I just love you...a lot. To the point to where I'd do anything to keep you in my life." She gives me a confused look. "You should get some sleep." I give her a kiss. "I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."

"Night daddy."

I turn on the night light, then turn out the room light before walking out. I get to my room, get undressed and hop in the shower. I throw on my briefs, and pajama pants and walk out the bathroom. Only to find Riley in my bed.

"I can't sleep." I turn off my light and get in bed.

"Come here." I say and she snuggles up to me. She typically falls asleep quicker if she's up under me or Aaliyah.

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{Aaliyah's POV}

I got everything packed for this weekend. I'm very excited for this getaway and I know Riley's gonna enjoy herself. She should be on her way home right now.

There's a knock on the door, I open it and I'm attacked by a 4 year old little girl.

"Hey baby...I missed you. Like always."

"I missed you more."

"She told me about your trip you're going on." Colin says.

"She did huh?!" I put her down. "Baby go to the room and let me speak to daddy." She goes to the room.

"Is he going?" He asks.

"Yeah....he's the one that asked if we wanted to go."

"When y'all comin back?"

"We should be back by Sunday night."

"And if you like it....you're gonna move there?" How the hell does he even know about New York.