The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3) (21 page)

“I can understand your reasoning.”

“I started off wrong, and I’m lucky you gave me another chance to prove I am a good guy and not a liar who only wanted sex from you.” I hope she knows how much I mean every word. It’s the truth. I love her.

“I may not completely understand why you just didn’t tell me the truth, but Arabella’s well-being will always be first in both of our lives. We both said we would start with a clean slate and we are.” She leans over the console and kisses my cheek. “But just to let you know, I only agreed to marry for the hockey tickets.”

I burst into laughter, as does she. I have an amazing wife.

Arabella is practically running circles around us because she is so excited. Mom, Dad, and Cora seem to be the same way, making me wonder how much junk food my family ate while we were gone.

The next day, I wake up to Maxima cooking breakfast. Mom and Cora are in the kitchen with her, laughing about something, but stop when I come in.

“Are you telling another childhood story?” I ask, making them laugh again. “That’s a yes.”

“Oh, I can’t help it. You were a gullible child,” Mom says.

“He really was,” my sister adds.

“Hey,” I point to Cora. “You were, too. I had you convinced you were adopted.”

“You thought you were an alien,” she counters.

Okay, I can’t argue with her there. She really did convince me, after we watched the movie
Aliens
. Man, I was gullible.

“Shut up,” is my only comeback.

Maxima pulls out biscuits from the oven. I can already see eggs and gravy on the stove.

“Your Dad and Arabella are out in the backyard exercising. Would you let them know everything is ready?” Maxima smiles.

“Sure.” I head out to the backyard where Arabella and Dad are doing pushups. I can remember him doing the same thing with me at Arabella’s age. “Time to eat, soldiers,” I announce.

Arabella jumps up and heads to the house, hugging me first. Dad is close behind, but asks to speak to me for a moment.

“What’s up?”

“Is your lawyer still having trouble getting Rickie’s records?”

“He said he was the last time I spoke to him.”

“Let me help. I can get them for you.”

I don’t want to put my parents in a position like that. I know they have high security clearances, but they don’t abuse their powers.

“I want my granddaughter safe, Remy.”

“I want the same thing.” I nod. “I never asked because—”

“I know,” he cuts me off. “I’m offering. I love you, and I have always had a bad feeling about Rickie.”

He had begged me not to marry her, but understood my reasoning for it.

“What about Maxima? Do you think I shouldn’t have married her?”

Dad shakes his head. “Maxima is an amazing person. You two are meant for each other.”

I chuckle. “Thanks, Dad.” Suddenly, an idea flashes in my mind. “Hey, since you’re looking into Rickie, do you think you can do one more search? As a favor. I know I’ve never asked before, and you can say no, because this one might be difficult.”

“Name it.”

I take a deep breath. “I want you to find Maxima’s family.”

The next day, my family heads off. I miss them, and I wish we lived closer but it’s great to spend time with them. With Cora now at The Pentagon, we are all so much closer, and I know we will be spending more time together.

I’m in the gym with the guys, lifting weights. Bas and Vance are talking about some TV show on BBC, or something like that. Cabel and Hamilton are spotting each other, while Kyson and Keaton use the ropes.

We continue, switching stations periodically, and before we realize it, we’ve been here for almost three hours. I’m a sweaty mess, just as are the guys. We hit the showers, and as we’re getting dressed, Kyson ask Hamilton something.

“Huh?” Hamilton turns. He’s standing in a towel. I’m not a shrimp or lanky, but being next to him makes me feel like I should work out more. The guy is massive.

“That book?” Kyson points to his locker. “I didn’t think southerners knew how to read.”

“Fuck you,” Hamilton growls and pulls the book out of his locker. “It’s a new mystery novel I heard about. It’s a newer author, Bret Knapp.”

Kyson and I glance over at Keaton, who’s pretending not to pay attention. We know Bret Knapp is Keaton’s pen name. There aren’t many people who know Keaton is a published author.

“Any good?” Cabel asks.

“Actually, it is.” Hamilton says.

“When are you and Maxima going to start popping out babies?” Keaton asks louder than need be. I know he’s trying to get the subject changed.

“We’re not.”

“Really?” Cabel seems stunned. “You seem to want more.”

I shrug. “It’s not in our future.”

“What about you, Pops?” Keaton asks Cabel.

“No. I’m perfectly fine with my two girls. They’ll be a handful all on their own.” He chuckles. “They’re like their Mom.”

“Did I hear Chloe is getting married?” Hamilton pulls on his shirt.

“Yes.” Cabel smiles. “Chloe is happy. She’s met a great lady, and they both seem to be in love.”

“I still find it strange you’re okay with your ex-wife, the mother of your children, being gay.” Keaton shakes his head. “I can’t believe you didn’t know.”

“Hey, Chloe and I have been best friends since fifth grade. I want my
friend
and the
mother
of my children to be happy. She hid her true self for a long time and that’s not a way to live. Everyone should be happy. If she’s happy being a lesbian, her true self, then I’m going to support her every step of the way because I love her.” Cabel glowers at Keaton.

“You still love her?” Vance jumps into the conversation.

“I’ve known her for twenty years. We have children together. A home. A life. Of course, I love her. I was shocked when she told me the truth, but I didn’t want to remain married to someone who wasn’t happy with me. She needed to find herself and she has. She’s happy, and her girlfriend is a nice woman who treats my kids well. That’s all that matters.”

I nod. Happiness is important, and Cabel is an amazing role model. More people need his attitude. We finish getting dressed and then head off of in our different directions.

When I get back to the house, Maxima and Arabella are sitting at the patio table, reading.

“Hi Dad.”

“Hi, honey.” I kiss the top of her head and kiss Maxima’s lips. “What have my favorite girls been doing today?”

“I went swimming while Mom did yoga and stuff,” Arabella tells me. Her calling Maxima mom seems right and fitting.

“Did you get my texts?” Maxima sits her book down.

I shake my head. “I forgot my phone.”

“Come here.” She stands. “Arabella, you stay here and read.”

I follow my wife to the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”

“Caryn emailed me a name of a child psychologist. I took it upon myself to call and make an appointment. There was a cancelation, and she can see us in an hour.”

“Okay.” I am suddenly very nervous. I know my lawyer suggested this, but now I’m questioning it.

“Remington.” Maxima takes my hands. “This is a good thing. If anything, she needs to deal with the way Rickie treated her and the changes she’s been through this year.”

“You’re right. I want Arabella to learn and develop coping skills. She needs to be a kid, and she’s been through enough already; this can be really good for her.”

“Exactly.” Maxima hugs me.

Now, I need to remain calm for my daughter.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rosin, I’m Ella Banks.” The woman is in her mid-to-late forties with brown hair and hazel eyes. She’s dressed in khakis and a simple blouse. “Caryn told me she sent you over.”

“Yes, you came highly recommended.” Maxima smiles. “This is Arabella Rosin.” She puts her hand on Arabella’s back.

“Well, hello, Arabella.” She bends down to her eye level. “I’m Ella.”

“Hi.” She is suddenly shy.

“Let’s all go in here and just chat for a moment.” Ella stands and we follow her down a long hall toward the end. Well, almost the end, because there are several doors all around.

Inside is a large playroom: toys, books, dolls, you name it, and it’s in there. It’s similar to a toy store setup with large shelves. The strange thing is a mirror on the left side of the wall.

Why is there a mirror?

“How about we all have a seat?” Ella directs us to a table with a stack of various coloring books. “Arabella, did your dad and Maxima tell you why you’re here?”

“We’re going to talk.” She speaks softly.

“Yes. I just want to know you better, okay?” Ella smiles and Arabella nods. “We’re going to talk alone, but your dad and Maxima are going to be right outside the door. All right?”

Arabella looks at me. “It’s fine. I promise.”

“Okay,” she whispers.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rosin, come with me.” Ella stands and we go out to the hall. “Come this way.” We go to the left and Ella opens the next door.

Inside the room are several stools and a table that all face a window. No wait...it’s the mirror from the other room. I’m looking at Arabella.

“This room is for observation under the condition you don’t interrupt our session. You have to sit here and be quiet. This room isn’t sound proof.”

I’d wondered why her voice was low.

“Do we all understand?” Ella asks.

“Yes,” Maxima and I say in unison.

Ella smiles and then heads out, closing the door behind her. Maxima and I take a seat on the stools, watching Arabella sitting at the table.

Ella walks back in and shuts the door. “Arabella, your dad tells me you like to color.” She sits down next to her.

“I do.” Arabella peps up a bit.

“Do you want to color with me?” Ella pulls out a box of colored pencils and a couple books from the middle of the table.

“Sure.” They go through a few books until they settle on a picture.

The conversation is slow. Ella asks Arabella’s favorite color, movies, and they talk about school, books, nothing major. Soon, Arabella is comfortable with Ella and even jokes a bit.