"And the prince rescued her from the dragon, taking her back to her castle, & they lived happily ever after." I finished the book to see Lottie asleep & Bronte dozing off.
"Mommy?" Kota asked me as I tucked her in.
"Yeah baby?" I smiled, kissing her forehead.
"Why hasn't daddy come home?"
I sighed & gave her a sad smile. I knew this question was coming one day.
"Because daddy can't. He's got to be somewhere for a few more months before he can come home to us baby."
"So he won't be here for my daddy daughter dance?"
I sighed and looked at my daughters disappointed face.
"I'm sorry babe, not this year." I mumbled, rubbing her hair back.
She nodded and I smiled down at her.
"I can dress as daddy if you want?" I grinned, practising my Irish accent.
She smiled and I sighed,
"Maybe you can ask grandpa to take you? I'm sure he'd love to."
"I'll ask grandpa then. Mommy?"
"Yeah baby?"
"Does daddy still love us?"
My eyes watered & I smiled at her.
"You know, before he went away, he said to me that you girls are his world & he loved you more than anything. He said, when you tuck them in, give them two kisses so they know ones from me, keeping their nightmares away."
She smiled & I kissed her cheek.
"Daddy loves you so so much Kota."
She nodded and I smiled.
"Mommy loves you lots too. Have the best sleep ever honey."
She closed her eyes and I smiled, kissing them all again & then I left their room.
I took a breath & wiped my face, walking into the shower.
I got under the hot water & sighed.
What an absolute shit show.
I washed my hair & shaved everywhere, then got out.
I got in our bed & looked to Chibs' side.
I sighed & put my hand over it.
"Hi baby."
I closed my eyes & drifted off to sleep.
9 more months.
