Page 114 of Manhattan Kiss

“They’re very pretty,” I say. I’ve always been clear that I don’t want Willow growing up before she needs to. Pierced ears aren’t allowed. Not until she hits double figures. “Do you want some on now? I can help you.”

Her face lights up. “You don’t mind?”

I shake my head. “I don’t mind. I just don’t want you putting holes in your beautiful skin when you’re little.”

“But these don’t make a hole,” she says.

“I know. What about the blue pair?” I suggest. “Like sapphires.”

“I like the green ones. They remind me of Aurora’s eyes,” she says—and it’s like her words are a physical blow.

“They’re pretty too,” I manage to say.

“Will Aurora live with you like Ray lives with Mommy?” she asks, sweeping her hair behind her ear so I can put her chosen gems on her earlobes.

Her question has me rooted to the spot. I can’t move. Why would she think that Aurora was going to live in the townhouse with me?

“What makes you ask that question?”

She shrugs. “I just wondered if you’d have someone like Mommy has someone. I don’t want you to be lonely while I’m here. And Aurora is very pretty. And kind.”

I manage to gather myself and peel off one of the green gems. “Yes, she is kind. And pretty. But she’s not moving into the townhouse.”

“Oh,” she says, and she looks a little disappointed.

I press the first gem on her ear and Willow smiles. Then I put the second sticker on. They look surprisingly realistic.

“How do they look?” she asks.

They look lovely. She looks lovely. And happy. And relaxed. And like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

“Do I look like I have Aurora’s eyeballs on my ears?” She makes a silly face.

I laugh at her being goofy and make my own stupid face to rival hers. I’m relieved there are no tears, no begging to come back to the townhouse or sadness at missing her old bedroom. It’s not what I was expecting, but I’m happy. Relieved.

“Eyeballs don’t make the best earrings,” I say. “These look much prettier.”

“It’s because they’re the same color as Aurora’s eyes, not actually Aurora’s eyes.”

“That’s probably it,” I say. “They look beautiful on you, darling.”

She wraps her arms around my waist. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too,” I whisper, holding her close.

I think my six-year-old daughter just gave me her blessing to have a life of my own.

In fact, maybe it wasn’t a blessing. Maybe it was a request. Maybe Gabby was right, and Willow would feel less pressure if she knew I had something in my world other than her.

Gabby insists I stay while Willow eats her snack and then I head out. Willow doesn’t make a fuss. She doesn’t even run to the door to show me out. I just kiss her goodbye and leave her coloring with Lucia.

“She’s in good spirits,” I say to Gabby, as we head to the front door.

“She’s growing up,” she replies. “She can handle stuff.”

I nod. “Yeah. I mean, it’s early days, but so far so good.”

“There are bound to be bumps in the road,” she says. “All we can do is try to be as supportive as we can as she navigates them.”