Teachers Tapestry

Sixty-two

"I was going to say something later when we're together—"

"So he's coming?" I felt fear rise inside me.

"No, no he's not." He took a breath before continuing. "He signed his rights over to me, making me your legal guardian, parent if you will. He also moved away from the house so we can move back this weekend. Or during the week." He said into the phone.

A wave of relief washed through me. I was still shaken from seeing him so abruptly but knowing he was gone was good.

"How did you know something was up with him?" He asked me.

"I ran into him at target. I was picking up a few things for Val and he was there. He startled me. He changed so quickly it made me scared and then he said he'd see me for dinner, so I call."

"It's okay kiddo, don't worry. He's really gone." Colton said with a softer tone to his voice.

"I'll let you get back to it. Have a good evening with Val okay? Forgot about him. We'll see you tomorrow." He said comfortingly.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Love you kiddo."

"Love you too Colton." I said because hanging up.

I sat in silence with Zoë for a moment before we turned a corner, turning into the street Valentina's house is on.

"I'm here for you Letty. What ever it is. I'm here for you. Remember that okay." Zoë said softly.

"I know, thank you Zo."

"Good, now let's go give our girls these flowers." She said as she parked the car in her driveway.

We jumped out of the car and grabbed everything before walking in. We barely made it two steps before Stella's twins ran up to us.

"Collect, did you bring the cookie dough?" Emilia asked me. "Hi Zoë." She said.

"Ooh one to Zoë null to collect." Zoë let out a chuckle.

"Emy, it's Collette. Like mama said." Natalia corrected her sister and I laughed along with Zoë.

"That's what I said." Emilia rolled her eyes and Natalia sighed.

"Girls, come back." I heard Lottie's voice from further inside.

"Did you bring any?" Emilia looked up at me.

"We did." I said and her and her sister squealed running back towards their mom.

"I'm sorry guys, they're excited. Quinn promised to bake with them." Lottie said.

"And I'll help. So it's no problem." Zoë said.

I walked into the kitchen and saw everyone around her table and island.

"Zoë." Quinn got up to give Zoë a hug beelining for the flowers.

"Hi baby." I walked to Valentina who was walking towards me as I put the stuff down.

"Flowers." I said handing them to her.

"Two weeks and counting. Thank you love." She kissed my lips softly.

"I like getting you flowers." I shrugged. She placed them on the countertop softly as she wrapped her arms around me and peppered kisses to my cheeks.

"Letty, you're putting me in a lot of heat you know." Stella said with a smile.

"Me?" I asked her from vals arms.