Page 59 of Accidentally Perfect

“Why do you always have to be so difficult? Did you ever think that if you weren’t so pigheaded and hard to deal with that you would be coming with us to see where your granddaughters and I are going to be living? Nathan is big on respect, and there’s no way he’s going to allow you anywhere near his home if you don’t respect him or me.”

“Doesn’t the saying go, ‘respect your elders’?”

“Yes, and doesn’t the saying go, ‘give respect where respect is given’? You need to learn a little bit about that. It’s not just about people giving the respect you think you deserve. You also need to give it back.”

We ride the elevator down in silence. My mother never says another word about where I’m taking the girls. Once we get out of the hospital, I see reporters off in the distance. I don’t have to explain anything to the girls because this time they aren’t shouting out questions or making accusations. “Alright, girls.” she says. “I’ll see you soon. Be good for your mother and father.”

“And Nafan too!”

“Yes, and Nathan too.” She gives a small smile, and she’s off to her waiting car and driver.

We get the kids secured in their boosters, and Nathan gives Brad the directions to his building.

“Are you ready, girls?” Nathan asks as we pull from the curb.

“Yes,” they say in unison.

“I think I may need to buy myself another car. I’m not sure how I feel about driving the girls everywhere in this.”

“Why, is your Bugatti too manly for car seats and sippy cups?” I say with a smirk.

“Hell no, I just want something bigger, more secure while I have them with me. We were lucky this time, but I don’t want to risk it. I think I want a big tank.”

“Yeah, I can see you driving the streets of Manhattan in a tank. Be serious, Nathan.”

“Well, I am buying a new car. I’m serious about that one.”

The rest of the drive is quiet. The girls take in the scenery as it passes by. The buildings near Nathan’s home are exquisite. High-rises of glass and steel line the streets. We slow and enter the belly of a modern looking structure. “Hello, Mr. Whitmore.” The guard greets Nathan.

“Hello, Clive, I want you to meet my wife, Laney Whitmore.”

“Laney Richards-Whitmore, nice to meet you, Clive.”

This bit of information earns me a dirty look from Nathan. I know we haven’t talked about it, but I do want to continue to share my daughters’ name. I don’t want to lose that connection that I have with them. Plus, they're starting a new school soon, and I want the staff there to make the connection. I don’t want any doubt from anyone that I’m their parent. I just feel better knowing that the connection of their last name isn’t lost.

“Richards-Whitmore?” He questions me as he parks the car.

“Yes, and just to let you know, I’m not budging.”

“Not even a little bit?”

“No, because you love me and you know how important the girls are to me is why you will back down on the subject.”

“Alright, love, you got me there. I’ll let this one slide.” He gives me a wink and gets out of the car.