One In A Lifetime

Twenty-Five

POV: Scarlett

Trying to get everyone ready to go to Kansas City proved to be an adventure, especially when Romain decided to be a dick. The older Rose gets, the less time he wants to spend with her. It breaks my heart to see her get excited to see her Dad, then have him break her heart.

She was excited to be going to Kansas City though, which made me feel better. She loves Riley and Taylor. I was surprised how easily she took to Taylor. She has asked if James, Betty and Inez will be there, and I told her they may be.

I had everyone packed and all of the Christmas presents had been sent last week, per Taylor's request.

“Let's go, people. We have a flight to catch!”

“Honey, we are literally taking Taylor’s private plane. I think they will wait on us,” Colin said, kissing my cheek.

“I know, love, but I hate being late. You know me,” I said, huffing.

A knock at the door let me know our driver had arrived, and Colin let them in. He showed them our bags, and they started carrying them out.

“Mom, I'm ready,” Rose said, her little backpack on her back.

“Ok baby, go with Colin, while I grab your brother,” I said, picking Cosmo up.

I made sure the alarm was set and the door locked before joining the others in the car. The drive to the airport was surprisingly quick, the car driving straight to the plane. It didn't take us too long to get loaded. The pilots and the stewards introduced themselves, and before we knew it we were in the air.

“This is so cool,” Rose said, softly.

I smiled. At least she is happy. I looked at Colin and he was smiling. He was excited for the games. Riley had called last night, telling us that Travis and Lauren would be joining us this week since his family would be visiting till next week.

I was a little worried about being in the same house with my ex-husband and his wife and their four kids, but Riley said they would be in the guest house. Colin died laughing when he found out we would be spending the holidays with my ex. I wasn't amused. It made him laugh harder.

As we descended into Kansas City, Rose was bouncing in her seat and I couldn't help but smile at her excitement.

“Momma, look,” she said, pointing to the cars on the runway.

As we taxied to a stop, the door opening, Rose all but launched herself into Riley's arms. As I watch them, I now understand why everyone thinks she is Rose's other parent. The bond they have is so sweet. Riley really does step up to comfort Rose when Romain lets her down. Don't get me wrong, Colin is an amazing step-father, but there is something about Riley. I think it may be because Rose knows Riley's own Father has nothing to do with her.

“Aunty Taylor,” Rose squeals as she launches herself at Taylor. Taylor was laughing and hugging my daughter. Rose is smitten with Taylor and as long as she doesnt break my cousin's heart, we will get along fine.

“Scarly,” Riley said, hugging me tightly.

“Riles,” I said, hugging her tightly.

She hugged Colin, then grabbed Cosmo, and we loaded into the cars, making our way to Taylor's new house.

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POV: Taylor

I am so excited to be hosting Christmas this year. Seeing Scarlett, Colin and the kids made my whole day. I may have gone a tad overboard with presents for Rose, Cosmo, James, Betty, Inez, and Blake and Ryan’s youngest. Riley just laughed when she saw everything under the tree.