Rosalie
Also, while I was doing a few last-minute things tonight, Addie may have gotten into Paige’s art supplies and I owe you a new pack of crayons.
Oh gosh! She has plenty of crayons. She probably won’t even notice.
Damn. There goes an excuse to see her again. But then just as quickly, another message pops up.
But you guys could come over for dinner. I would love to cook for you as a thank you for all you’ve done. And I would love for Paige to meet Addison. It would be great for her to meet a new friend.
And we’re back. I mentally fist pump the air.
Sounds good. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need me for anything else. Your key will actually be under the planter on your back porch. ::smirking emoji:: And Addison left Paige a little note on her nightstand.
Rosalie
That was so sweet of her. I’ll make sure Paige finds it and I’ll text you sometime next week for dinner plans.
It’s a date, I think, a huge smile spreading across my face. Our third one.
Looking forward to it and safe travels. Text me when you get home, I just want to know you made it safely.
ROSALIE
I will. Good night, Cameron.
Night, Rosalie.
I’ve still got that feeling of hope running through me as I turn to leave the bedroom to find Addison and go home, but the note on the nightstand catches my eye and has me walking toward it.
I feel the obligatory parental need to make sure Addie didn’t say anything embarrassing or unintentionally hurtful, so I pick it up and read it, and what the letter says makes me so proud to be her dad.
To Page,
My name is Addison Brown. I am 7 years old.
My daddy says you are 7 to. He also said your grandma died.
My mommy died so I know that you feel sad.
I feel sad to. My daddy showed me your room.
It looks like sun shine. Is your favrite color yellow?
Mine is pink. I saw your horsey decrations and we can be friends because i love horseys to.
My daddy told me he is friends with your mommy.
I want to be friends with you. I am a nice friend.
Also, i used your crayons without asking to draw you a horse.
I am sorry. I will ask next time or you can use my crayons when we play.
From,
Addison
Refolding the note, I place it back on the nightstand for Paige and leave the room.
Addison is waiting for me in the living room, and when I get to her I wrap her in a huge bear hug. “I love you so much, Addie. You’re the best kid ever.”
She smiles up at me. “And you’re the best Daddy ever. I love you so much!”
I give her one last squeeze before guiding her through the front door and out to the Jeep. While she gets situated, I run around the house to leave the key under the planter.
When I hop in the driver’s seat and turn around to make sure Addison is buckled in, she smiles at me, barely able to contain her excitement. “I can’t wait to meet Paige!”
I smile back at her and think about how I’m just as excited to see her mom.