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together. For now, I just want to talk to her about us being a couple. That s
enough for today.
Louis nodded. I agree.
One last kiss and hug and then Dan was climbing out the window, dropping
into the middle of a flower bed and crushing the greenery. Louis watched him
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walk away, his heart chanting like Sally Field, He likes me. He really likes me!,
before he went into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
In the living room, Cara s eyes were glued to the colorful cartoon world on
the TV, where ponies were singing and dancing at some sort of town festival.
Morning, munchkin, Louis greeted her. You ready to eat breakfast?
She held up a finger, her need to return to her movie project apparently
postponed. In a minute.
Louis started coffee and eggs. He heard Dan return from his run and
exchange a few words with Cara before going off to shower. Liam came padding
out from his bedroom. Louis checked to see if he d made it through the night
without wetting the bed and was pleased to find the sheets dry. Liam was
improving.
After putting Liam in his booster chair and giving him juice and eggs, Louis
called Cara to join them.
Breakfast was over by the time Dan reached the kitchen and accepted the cup
of coffee Louis handed him. Leaning against the counter, he blew across the
surface.
Cara, wait a second, Dan said as his daughter finished her toast and
started to climb down from her chair. I want to tell you something kind of
important.
Just like that? He wasn t waiting around. Louis caught his breath, suddenly
nervous. Likely Cara would take the news in stride, but what if she didn t, and
what if Crissi blew a gasket because Dan forged ahead and talked to the kids
without her being a part of it?
Cara frowned, distracted from her single-minded pursuit of her own desires
by her father s serious tone. What?
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Dan sat at the table across from her and Liam. I have something to tell you.
I ve been waiting until you were old enough, and I think you are now.
Cara sat straighter, puffed up at the idea that she was about to be privy to
knowledge only big girls could handle. What is it?
You know that your mom and I aren t together anymore because, while we
care about each other, we aren t in love.
And it s not my fault or Liam s. You told me that, Cara said. Doesn t
mean I have to like it, she muttered in a voice very like her mother s.
There s a reason Mommy and I aren t in love, and it s mostly because of
me. Dan s voice was calm, but Louis noticed his hands clenched into fists on the
tabletop.
Louis still leaned against the kitchen counter. He and Liam, who was happily
munching away on his toast, were extraneous to this conversation.
See, the thing is, Kermit, although lots of men love women, some fall in love
with other men. It took me a very long time to realize I was that kind of man.
Gay? Cara asked with blithe unconcern.
Yes. You know what gay is?
She rolled her eyes. Of course. Beth at school has two gay dads. So does
Rachel on Glee. I m not stupid, Daddy. Her eyes suddenly darted toward Louis,
back to her father, and to Louis again, proving exactly how clever she was.
Ohhh! You like Louis!
Louis smiled at her, and Dan answered, Yes. I do like Louis. I didn t expect
to, but
You fell in love. Cara exhaled audibly. You re never going to change your
mind and move back in with Mommy again, are you?
No, honey, I m afraid not.
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She nodded. I thought so, but I liked having you back at home. Your house
is good too, but it s not the same. Plus all my stuff is here. I don t always feel like
going over there.
I know. It s hard.
Divorce sucks. That s what Brianna says. Cara s gaze landed on Louis
again. But I like Louis, so, if you have to be with somebody besides Mom, Louis
is good. Brianna says her stepmom is evil and is probably a witch in disguise. I
believe it too.
Louis bit down on his lower lip to keep from laughing. Cara was just so
damn funny and her reaction so unexpected yet typically her.
I think we need to film another scene with the wicked witch. Cara changed
the subject with whiplash speed. In Wizard of Oz, the witch doesn t get any
songs, but I think our witch should sing Defying Gravity.
Good idea, Louis said. Remind the viewer that nobody s all evil, right?
Cara bounced in her seat. We can still surprise Mommy with the movie, but
later on we ll dub her voice in for that song. She d like that.
So much energy in such a little package. Louis wanted to scoop Cara out of
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