Page 99 of Baby Daddy

“Mommy, do you believe in happily ever after?”

I was taken back by her unexpected question, especially in my frame of mind. I hesitated before answering.

“Yes, I do.” Another lie. Or maybe half-truth. Once upon a time I did. Once when I met Kyle. And then again with Drake. But with my epic-fail pattern, this fantasy would never be a reality. When it came to finding true love, I was doomed. I didn’t, however, want to blow this dream for my sweet little girl. She deserved to have it. So, I answered, “Yes, I do.”

An ear-to-ear smile spread across her face. “Me too.”

Fighting back tears, I returned the smile. Enough drama for tonight.

“Mommy, do you wanna sleep with me tonight?”

“Yes, my cupcake. I’d like that.”

A few heartbeats later, I was in her bed snuggled next to her lithe body.

“Good night, my baby girl. I love you from here to the moon and back.”

“Me too, Mommy.”

I kissed the back of her head and soon she was out like a light, unaware that my tears were soaking her red cape. Drake’s magical cape. If only it had the power to magically make this night go away.