Killian turns them on a cartoon and sets to opening their new dolls for them. They seem to really like My Little Pony. Dillan and Noelle live in a doublewide next door to Conrad and Susie’s house. The girls have their own rooms. Sadie’s is decorated in flowers and Hope’s room is done up in something called Paw Patrol.
“You guys like to play Candyland?”
“That’s for babies,” Sadie tells me with a hand on her hip.
Killian laughs and I shoot him a dirty look. “Hey, this was your idea.”
“Hope, do you want to play?” She nods her head.
“Hope cheats!” Sadie warns.
“Nu-uh,” Hope argues and sticks her tongue out.
This is going to be a long night.
After three games of Candyland and another episode of My Little Pony, Killian has abandoned me to go outside to smoke.
“Is Uncle Kill your boyfriend?” Sadie questions. I love that they call him Uncle Kill. It’s stinking cute when they say it.
“He is.”
“Do you love him?”
“Most of the time.”
“I think boys stink but Uncle Kill smells nice.”
“I thinks so too.” I laugh. Sadie is quite the character and says whatever is on her mind. Hope is shyer but I think she is warming up to us. I’m trying to keep them busy enough that they don’t have time to fight or to miss their mom and dad.
We’re at the kitchen table make cupcakes out of Play-doh.
This is an activity I like. I get to create with my hands. Killian returns and after washing his hands he pretends he is a cupcake monster and smashes our creations. The girls are laughing, but I really worked hard on mine and pout about it for about five minutes.
Noelle calls to check on the girls, and I put them on speaker phone so they can both hear her. Once that is over, I call in our pizza. By the time it is delivered Hope has fallen asleep and Killian gets her tucked into her bed. Sadie wants nothing to do with bed time and by ten thirty she is still going strong. Killian has read her two different stories, and I think he is exhausted and on the verge of passing out himself. She makes it for another fifteen minutes before she finally closes her eyes.
We tiptoe out of her room and pray neither of them wake up.
I collapse on the couch next to my boyfriend and let out a yawn.
“You owe me big time for this,” he reminds me.
“You had fun. Admit it.”
“I did but I am damn tired, and we still have to drive home.”
“Ugh don’t remind me,” I groan and lay my head on his shoulder.
The next thing I know it’s nearly one a.m. and Noelle and Dillan are waking us up when they arrive home.
“I’m so sorry. We meant to be home sooner.”
“No, we didn’t. Don’t let her lie to ya,” Dillan jokes.
“You guys are welcome to stay in the guest room,” Noelle offers.
I expect Killian to say no but he accepts the invitation.
Noelle loans me a set of cat print pajama bottoms with a matching sleep shirt. When Killian sees me, he can’t hold back his laughter. “Damn, baby. I thought your leggings were ugly, but these are…wow. I don’t think I will be able to keep my hand off you.”