The Resurrection of Wildflowers (Wildflower #2)(7)

“Hey,” I say softly, reaching across the counter to place my hand on his. “You have nothing to worry about. Not with Seda.”

He clears his throat, and I can tell he’s getting a bit choked up. “I’m going to watch TV.”

“All right.”

I finish eating in silence, then put my plate in the dishwasher. The kitchen is already spotless, so I go to the playroom on the first floor where I’m sure I’ll find Seda.

She’s scribbling madly on a piece of paper, creating another masterpiece. “It’s bath time, missy,” I tell her from the doorway.

“Ugh, but Mom—”

“No buts.” I shake my head, letting her know not to argue. “After you finish your drawing its bath time and then to bed.”

She gets a mischievous look. “Will you read me a bedtime story?”

“One.” I hold up a finger and wiggle it. “And only one. You’re not sweet-talking me into more tonight.” I stick my tongue out at her, and she giggles. We both know I’m weak when it comes to her. Not that I’m a pushover, but I love spending time with my girl. These moments when she’s a child are so fleeting. I want to enjoy them and make special memories with her. Especially since I’m not sure I’ll have more kids. That was a big factor in the divorce. Caleb wants more kids, and I won’t keep him from that.

While Seda finishes her drawing, I head upstairs with my bag to the guestroom where I moved my things months ago. Caleb tried to get me to stay in the master, saying he was fine with the smaller room, but I reminded him I don’t plan on living here like he does.

“Hi, Binx.” I pet my beloved cat on the head where he snoozes on the covers. “I missed you.”

He opens one green eye, glaring at me. I know he’s pissed at me for leaving. He’s needy like that, but instead of wanting love and attention now that I’m back he gives me the silent treatment. Cats, man.

I unpack the clothes I washed at my mom’s and repack some different items. I might as well have a little variety to spice up my life. I’m tired from the week and can’t wait to get into bed, but I really do want to spend time with Seda first.

I’m walking out of the bedroom when she tops the steps. “I finished. I guess that means I’m ready for my bath.” She sounds anything but.

“Go pick out what pajamas you want to wear and I’ll start it.”

“Okay!” That excites her.

Flicking on the bathroom light, I push the plug in the tub and start the water, making sure the temperature isn’t too hot or cold.

Seda comes running into the bathroom with her bright pink princess pajamas. “These.” She drops them onto the floor and quickly strips out of her clothes without any prompting on my part.

“Do you know what book you want?” I ask, wetting her hair so I can suds it up.

“The one with Princess Seda,” she giggles, tilting her head back. She loves when I massage the shampoo into her scalp.

“Why am I not surprised?” I smile at her, giving her cheek a small pinch. When she was a baby my mom gifted us one of those books with your name in it and it’s been her favorite since she was a toddler.

“It’s my favorite, Mom,” she says dramatically like I’m not already aware, throwing in an eyeroll for good measure.

She’s five going on fifteen.

When her hair is clean and she’s scrubbed her body thoroughly with the cloth I pass her, I scoop her out and wrap her in a towel.

“Egg game!” she cries, feet pounding on the floor as she runs into her room.

I chase after her, pajamas in my hands. She falls to the floor, covering her body with the purple towel.

“What is this?” I say, circling her body. “Is this an egg? What an unusually large egg. And purple too? Hmm.” I tap my finger against my lips. She starts to wiggle her body. I gasp loudly. “Oh my God, it’s moving.” I grin when I spot Caleb watching us from the doorway with his own smile. “Do you see this mysterious egg? Look at it moving!”

“I’m cracking!” Seda cries, wiggling more. “Crack.” She throws off the towel and stands up. “Look, Mommy! It’s a Seda!” She shakes her wet hair like a dog.

“Would you look at that? Who would’ve guessed that’s what was in the egg.” She giggles. “Pajama time.” I hold up the top and she takes it from me, putting it on. She spots Caleb and smiles. “Did you see, Daddy? I was an egg!”

He chuckles. “I saw. You’re my favorite egg.” His eyes find mine and I feel his heartbreak still. Even though we’re on good terms, it doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t want the divorce and he’s still in love with me.

“Mommy’s going to read me a story. Will you help her? I love it when you both do the voices.”

He meets my eyes, seeing if I’m okay with it. I nod.

“Sure, baby girl.” He picks up her wet towel and drops it into the hamper.

Seda grabs her book and climbs into bed with Caleb and I on either side of her.

She holds the book, flipping the pages and doing her best to read along with us.

By the time it’s finished, her eyes have grown heavy.

We each kiss her forehead and tuck her in for the night

Out in the hallway, Caleb looks at me like he wants to say something but decides against it.