Page 51 of Without Warning
“She’ll love that.”There’s that smile with the dimple.I’m so glad I could make her this happy.
A couple minutes later, Krystal walks in, leading Michelle, and just like Jada, I notice she’s looking around and protective.That’s when I figure it out.She isn’t just a nanny.She’s their protection detail.She must be the woman I overheard Darrell and Cronus talking about when we were in Chapelville.
“Hello, little miss,” I say, greeting Michelle at her height level.She’s six, and I want to be her favorite auntie.“I want you to be my flower girl.”
“Really?Can I wear a fluffy dress instead of one like this?”
Just like yesterday, when I thought she was in her school uniform, she’s in a white polo shirt with a tan jumper dress over the top.
“Yes.How about this one?”I hold out the dress I found.
She squeals before she covers her mouth and apologizes for being so loud.
“I’m so sorry.I shouldn’t have done that.”She bows her head, and my heart breaks for her.I want to scoop her up and hold her tight, promising to protect her from her father.
Lydia takes her into a dressing room, and they try on the dress.
“Thank you.”I turn to see Krystal standing beside me.“I try so hard to make their lives as normal as I can.”
“I hate him,” I tell her.“I saw how he talks to Lydia.”
“There is nothing we can do, but thank you.”
“I’m going to be her favorite auntie.I’ll send her all kinds of fun clothes.Screw him.”
“Damn, Daphy, that was almost a curse word.”Delly chuckles.“Do the kids need an attorney?I know a couple good ones.”
“Not yet, but hopefully soon.Ms.Lydia has about hit the end of her rope.”
“Good.We’re here if you need us.”
“Thank you,” Krystal says again.
When Michelle prances out of the dressing room and twirls, I pull the attendant aside.
“Get me a couple more dresses just like that in fun kid colors.”
“Yes, ma’am.”She walks off to do as I asked.
I’ll put it on Darrell’s tab and pay him back, or tell him who it was for and he’ll allow it.
We head to the salon next to get our hair and nails done.We take Michelle with us, and even though Lydia says she can only have clear polish, my sister talks the lady into putting a bit of sparkle on her nails.We’re horrible influences on them.
ChapterThirteen
Daphne
Islide my hands down my gown as I stare at myself in the mirror.I can’t believe I found the perfect dress.It’s a lace mermaid style with a deep V neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and a small train.It’s exactly what I would have chosen if I had months to plan instead of a single day.
My hair is pinned up in braids and a loose bun, with a pink magnolia clip my mom said belonged to Granny.It’s my something old.
My dress has built-in cups, so I don’t need a bra, but I can’t wait for my new husband to see my panties later.I smile at myself in the mirror and sigh.
“That was full of a lot of thought.”My father’s voice breaks through my thoughts.
“I’m just really happy.”
“Good, honey.I love you.”He presses a kiss to my forehead.“Are you ready?”
