AllFreeNovel
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“Then I’ll stay.”
“Okay, thanks.”
We sit on the sofa with Nix in Rebel’s arms and me facing them. I take one of Nix’s hands in mine.
“Baby, the reason why Cordelia was on the TV is because the newsman was just telling people that she’s died.”
Nix goes very quiet and very still.
“Do you know what that means, baby?”
“She’s with Lizzie now in heaven?”
Erm...fuck. What do I say to that? How will I ever explain to Nix that Aunt Lizzie is back from the dead but that Cordelia won’t be.
“She’s in heaven, clever girl,” Rebel says, saving me. “When did you get so smart to know all about heaven and things?”
“We learnt about it at the childminder’s. Miranda was upset when her grandad died and Lacey explained it all to us.”
Rebel mouths “Lacey?” at me and I whisper back “childminder”. He nods.
“Well, you’re very smart. I bet you’ll be whizzed all through school by August.”
She giggles.
“Silly! I don’t go until September.”
“Oh! Well you’ll be graduating by Christmas then.”
“Mummy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Our family is getting really small. What will happen if you die?”
“Our family is growing, baby. We may have lost grandma, but we’ve gained Baxter, Ace, Thorn, Jax and Rebel. They’re here to stay if you want them.”
She smiles at me.
“I want them to stay. Can they all be my daddy?”
“Yep!” Rebel grins. “But I’m the best one.”
She giggles.
“Do you have any questions, Nix baby?”
“Erm…” she tilts her head to one side considering my offer and then her face falls. “Does this mean I can’t go to Miranda’s sleepover tonight at Lacey’s house?”
“Do you still want to go to the sleepover?”
“Yes!” Her lip trembles like she’s about to have a meltdown so I step in quickly.
“Then of course you can go.”
“Yay! Thank you Mummy! You’re the best!” She beams, instantly brightening. “I’m going to ask Ace to help me make some cookies for the party.”
“Okay darling, I’ll see you in a minute.”
