Chapter thirty-four
“Daddy!” The twins came running to me as I entered the living room door.
I left my briefcase on the floor and picked them up, kissing them on the forehead and walking with them to the center of the sofa.
“Shouldn't you two be asleep?”
“I've put them to bed, sir,” said the nanny as she appeared and looked at me. I certainly didn't want to be reproached for the fact that the girls were still awake.
“Did they get up?” I looked at them seriously.
“We wanted to see you,” grumbled Anne slyly.
“They could wait to see me in the morning.”
“Helena didn't come?” When Mary asked me, I realized that they might be waiting for my girlfriend and not me.
“Not today, daughters...”
“Ah!” they mouthed.
“Let's go back to bed.” I took them both by the hand and led them back to the bedroom, settling them in their respective beds.
“Is she coming back?” Anne wanted to know.
“Yes, she will.”
“When is she coming to live with us?” Mary was already rushing everything.
“I don't know.”
“Ah, Dad, please call .”
“It's not that simple, my princess.” I stroked her head.
“Just get her over here. Sleep in your bed or buy one for her.”
“It's much more than just a bed.”
“What?”
“She needs to look after her grandmother.”
“Just bring it.”
“Ah, my little ones, when you get older, you'll be able to understand that it's never like it seems. Now go to sleep.”
“In a quelo...”
“Yes, you should.”
“I don't want to.”
I frowned, and they nodded.
“Good night, my loves.” I kissed each of them and left the room, closing the door behind me.
I wanted to do the best for them and for myself, but I also had to be careful not to hurt any of us.
The babysitter had already left, and I grabbed something to eat in the kitchen. I took a shower and then went to my office. I looked through some more paperwork before sending a message to Helena.
Thomas:
Have you gone to bed yet?
Helena:
Not yet.
Thomas:
How is your grandmother?
Helena:
Stubborn, but good.
Thomas:
That's great!
Helena:
What about the girls?
Thomas:
Missing you and me too.
Helena:
We'll arrange another day.
Thomas:
How about every day?
Helena:
You're not asking me to move in with you, are you?
Thomas:
Maybe.
Helena:
We'd better take things slowly. Not only is our relationship very recent, but I can't just abandon my grandmother.
Thomas:
I understand.
Helena:
I hope so.
Thomas:
Speaking of family, I have an invitation for you.
Helena:
What kind of invitation?
Thomas:
To meet my family.
Helena:
Isn't it a bit early?
Thomas:
You're my girlfriend, aren't you? Besides, I know your grandmother.
Helena:
It's completely different.
Thomas:
Why?
Helena:
You practically broke into my house.
Thomas:
Small detail.
Helena:
What if they don't like me?
Thomas:
Of course they'll love you.
Helena:
The women in your family seem like the luxurious type, where I don't fit in.
Thomas:
It's all a question of perspective.
Helena:
I don't know.
Thomas:
I'm sure they'll love you.
Helena:
Okay, when?
Thomas:
On Sunday, is that okay?
Helena:
Agreed.
We stopped messaging, and I wondered if she had slept or was simply distracted by something else. As much as I was afraid, I didn't think she needed to fear meeting my family. Just like Deborah, they were eager for me to find happiness again. After spending years locked away in a dark corner of my heart, I thought I was close to it again.