You too, Iris.” JerRic pointed to the couch.
“What's up?” Milo was curious.
“Is it my birthday?” Iris grinned.
“No, it's not your birthday.” I laughed.
“Can we have a party, anyway? I really want cake.” Iris licked her lips.
“Listen Iris.” Milo whispered in her ear.
“We are going back to the real world tomorrow. We talked about it a few weeks ago, remember?” I sat across from them on the coffee table.
“Yes.” Iris nodded.
JerRic sat down beside of me. “We won't live in Angeline anymore.”
Milo's disposition was solemn.
“Will we have friends?” Iris frowned.
“Yes, you will have friends.” JerRic's handsome smile took over his face. “You both have a ton of cousins.”
“Will Auntie Z be there?” Iris leaned forward.
“Yes.” I nodded.
Zamfira and Zane showed up four times a year, like clockwork. I asked them about it once. Apparently, she had told a story that while we were in Angeline, they would show up once every three-months. To them, it looked like Milo and Iris were growing over night. They didn't want to miss out on too much of our lives. It had been Zane's idea. The kids loved them both.
“And Uncle Zane?” Milo's expression was doubtful.
“Yep, him too.” My husband nodded.
“I guess that will be okay.” Milo stood up and quietly left the room.
My heart went out to my son.
“He'll be okay.” JerRic put his hand on mine.
I nodded and swallowed.
Iris jumped up and gave us both hugs. It was her way of saying she was done sitting. She did this often. I tried not to laugh.
“I love you, bug.” I hugged her back.
“I love you, Mommy.” She kissed my cheek. “Now, it's Daddy's turn.”
Iris stepped on my toe. I groaned. She didn't notice.
“I love you, Daddy.” She wrapped her arms around JerRic's neck.
“I love you too.” He hugged her. “Now, apologize for stepping on your mother's toe.” He pointed down.
“Sorry, Mommy.” A slight expression of guilt fluttered across my daughter's face.
“It's okay.” It still hurt.
Iris put two fingers to her lips and kissed them and put it on the foot she stomped on.
“Thank, but.” I smiled.
Iris smiled and skipped to the door. Sometimes that girl left me speechless. She pulled open the door and went outside.