Page 61 of Accidentally Perfect

“Well, you did tell me to blow a wall out so the room would be double its usual size.”

I give a small laugh. “Yes, I did do that.” The adults stand back as the girls continue to explore.

“You did an excellent job, Natalie. Thank you for doing this for me.” I give her a smile.

“I didn’t do it for you, big brother; I did it for my nieces. I want to be their favorite aunt.”

“You’re their only aunt,” I say

“Why do you always have to be a party pooper, Nate? You’re always stealing my thunder.”

“That’s what big brothers are for.” I give her a wink.

“I still say the girls don’t need all this, especially if this isn’t where they’re going to be permanently. You wasted your money and Natalie’s time, Nathan. This living situation isn’t supposed to be permanent. We agreed this is only while Addie heals. Once she’s able to climb stairs by herself, then Laney and the girls are supposed to move back home.”

I’m on my last nerve with this man. “Look, Brad, I want the girls to feel as if this is their home. Yes, the agreement was to come here while Addie recuperates, but there was never a time limit set. You said for the duration, not Laney and not me, you. I know you’re having a hard time with the idea of another man looking after the girls; my mouth hasn’t helped any. But the fact of the matter is they live with Laney full-time, and I want them to be fully comfortable and feel wanted. I don’t want them to ever feel that I’m just their mother’s husband. I want to be more to them.”

“Brad, my brother would never try take your spot in their lives. He knows how important a father is. He also knows what it’s like to feel like your parent doesn’t want you. Nathan and I have seen how a parent should and shouldn’t be. I’m proud of the fact that Nathan learned from my father’s mistakes and decided parenting, even if the child isn’t his by blood, is an honor.”

“I agree with Natalie, Brad. Nathan is just trying to make the situation acceptable for the girls. It’s very sweet of him really. You should feel lucky that your children have someone else to care for them and to love them. They can never have enough love.”

“How is it I have to defend myself against two women now? This isn’t how this is supposed to work. I think I’m getting the short end of the stick here.”

“Believe me, Brad, I will not always defend the big oaf, brother or not. When he’s wrong he’s wrong, and you can bet your fine ass I’ll tell him. But Nathan’s right on with this one. I’m sorry.”

“Alright, fine.” I can see the tick in Brad’s jaw. “Thank you, Nathan.”

“Well, um, don’t thank him yet,” Natalie says, “We aren’t done. Girls, come over here. We have one more thing to show you.”

The girls come when my sister calls them. She ushers them further down the hall to another set of double doors. “Alright. This is your special spot. Your bedroom is for you to sleep, but this is where the magic happens.”

She opens the doors to another world. The girls scream so loud I may have gone deaf in my right ear. Three of the walls are painted a soft yellow with flowers and vines painted everywhere. There is a huge carriage in the corner that looks like it’s right out of Cinderella. A castle is built on the opposite wall with stairs for the girls to climb. The far corner looks like a dressing room with two full racks of dress up clothes. I can tell there are two outfits each. Now the girls can both be the same princesses at the same time, just like they wanted. There also looks to be a big tree full of tulle and sparkles. I’m assuming those are all tutus. The fourth wall looks like it’s a chalkboard where Natalie has written each of the girls names in cursive. The middle of the room holds a sitting area with a circular bookcase full of books.

I sit back and enjoy the girls’ excitement. I see Natalie take the girls to the closet, and they both scream “Barbie’s,” at the same time. The closet is stacked with boxes of Barbie’s and clothes. It also looks like there are several dollhouses, cars, and other Barbie things. “I can’t believe you did all this, Nathan.”

“Why not? I think I’ve made myself very clear when it comes to you and the girls. Why wouldn’t I do this? I want my house to be our home, Laney. For good, not just temporary. I have no memories here other than ones of myself. I want to make new memories with you and the girls. I want to watch them play dress up and dolls. I want to have them serve us tea, and I want to be their knight in shining armor, saving them from the villain.”

She doesn’t say anything. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. My hands find their way to her waist pulling her into me. “I love you.” She tells me.

“I love you too.” She will never realize how much