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At least there are no stairs.

Me

Malaki

Is the baby gate holding up okay? What did she think of it?

I glance at her, and as if she senses that I’m looking at her, she turns to glance over her shoulder while holding onto the gate.

“Charleigh…” I warn.

She grins, the mischievous glint in her eye loud and proud.

I shake my head and quickly type Malaki another message.

Me

The baby gate is perfectly sturdy, but I think she’s conjuring up a plan to climb it next.

Malaki

Maybe we should look for a one-story house?

My stomach tumbles.

What?

Is he serious?

I look at Charleigh and picture the three of us house hunting together. Butterflies take flight, and I’m suddenly sweating.

Me

We can’t just get a new house because of Charleigh falling down a few steps.

Malaki

Says who?

Me

Says me! That’s insane.

Plus, I could see Benedict using it against me that I’m moving again.

Malaki

I also want you to have the house you want.

This is the house I want—including the people living in it.

Me

I like this house.

I walk over to Charleigh and sit to get on her level. She flops into my lap, and I quickly pull her upright so she doesn’t hit her head on my leg. “Do you like this house?” I ask her.

Her little eyebrows furrow, and her eyes drop to my mouth as she tries to figure out what I’m asking her.