Read Online My Real by Mallory Grant - Free Book Online

can’t think of a time when Jessica ever went out of her way to make sure Emerson was happy. She isn’t a bad mother; it’s just obvious she doesn’t put Emerson first. It always seems like she rushes though things with Emerson to get to her more exciting life. Even now that Jessica has more free time because we’re sharing custody of Emerson; she still doesn’t do things with her. Emerson spends more time with me when she’s supposed to be with Jessica. This is the main reason I’m not worried about Jessica taking full custody. She doesn’t want full custody any more than I want to give it to her. I wouldn’t put it past her to give up all her rights. That’s just the kind of selfish woman Jessica is.
    I can hear laughter coming from the girls as they come out of the bathroom. My girls. I like the sound of that. The sound of that laughter warms the empty spaces in my broken heart. I’ll do everything in my power to make Bailey mine.
    “Knock knock.” Bailey starts yet another joke as we wait for our dinner to come. They’ve been at this for at least ten minutes now. I’ve never known anyone who knew more knock knock jokes than these two girls.
    “Who’s there?” Emerson replies.
    “Doris”
    “Doris who?”
    “Doris locked. That’s why I’m knocking!”
    Emerson starts laughing so hard, milk comes out her nose which in turn gets Bailey snorting and tears are running down my face. The waitress comes up with our dinner and just stands there staring at us while we all laugh at the stupid knock knock joke.
    “Tell another one Bailey. That one was great,” Emerson pleads as I lean over to wipe the milk off of her dress.
    “I’ll tell you what, if you eat all your dinner, I’ll tell more in the car on the way to the movie. Is that a deal?” Bailey bargains.
    “Deal!” Emerson exclaims and starts eating her chicken nuggets and coloring her placemat at the same time.
    “I’m sorry this isn’t the most ideal situation for a first date, Bailey,” I say quietly as to not disturb Emerson.
    “It’s fine, really. I’m having a great time. She’s a great little girl Andrew,” Bailey replies.
    I may be the luckiest man alive. I’ve reconnected with a woman who I held deep feelings for that exploded into action the second I saw her again. And not only is she perfect for me but she is also caring and accepting of Emerson. My biggest worry when I found out about Jessica cheating on me was finding someone who would love Emerson as much as I do. I’m sure I’ve done just that.

 
     
     
    We made it through our first date with Emerson in tow. After dinner, we went to the movies to see the latest Disney had to offer. Bailey seemed to have as great a time at the movies as Emerson did. I couldn’t persuade Bailey to spend the night with me again with Emerson in the house, but she did agree to come over for dessert. I dropped her off at her house so that she could get her car. Not the most ideal situation, but it meant I get to spend more time with her tonight so I’d take it.
    I give Emerson a bath after we shared a huge ice cream sundae with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sprinkles, hot sauce, and whipped cream that Bailey made for us. The woman knows her chocolate. Bailey is downstairs while I’m tucking Emerson in and saying prayers with her.
    “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me through the starry night, and wake me with the morning light. God Bless Daddy, Mommy, and me. Oh, and God Bless Bailey, because she makes Daddy and me laugh. Amen.” She finishes her prayers and hugs me.
    “Emerson, do you like Bailey?” I ask her a little bit worried. Emerson is the most important person in my life and while she is just four, her opinion does matter a lot to me.
    “I like her a lot, Daddy.”
    “Would you mind if Bailey spent more time with us?” I tuck her in then kneel on the floor next to her.
    “Yes! She’s pretty and funny and silly and she can do my hair.