Inevitable

Chapter 11: Double Standards

The next days passed in a blur. Jamie had the girls' room cleaned out and me, Emily, and Mama had a field day shopping and planning for their princess paradise. I used every skype session to probe them on their favorite colors, favorite princesses, favorite everything. I kept asking him questions that he didn't know the answers to, so I finally caved in, "Can I speak to their Mum? I need to know certain things to make sure their room suits them and that her needs and their needs, are met. I mean really, Jamie, you don't even know what size clothes they wear."

He lets Amelia know that I would like to chat with her to help ensure his home is situated for the girls and she readily agrees to a call. To my surprise, she provides her phone number saying her schedule is probably less hectic than mine. I text her in advance to set a convenient time for us. I have a notepad and pen handy along with a list of questions before I call. I hate this woman for what she did to Jamie, but she is the mother of these amazing little girls and always will be. Tricky landscape to navigate.

When I call, she is quite polite and chipper and we get through the easy questions quickly. And then she starts to tiptoe into the murky waters. "Dakota, I think it's lovely that you are helping James with this. And I appreciate that you are trying to make it easy for all of us. I would just encourage you to tread lightly. The girls are permanent. They won't disappear if they get in the way of your life, or if you decide James isn't as exciting as you think he is at the moment. I stay. He stays. They stay. Regardless of what you do, the rest of us stay. Don't over promise. Don't over commit to them. Or to James."

I bite my tongue and call up my best conciliatory voice, "I understand. I'm part of a very blended family. I understand marriage, divorce, kids, step kids, etc. I live it every day. I think your daughters are amazing and you have my word that I will never do anything to hurt them. Further, I will respect your role as their mother. I have no desire to try to take your place. I love Jamie, and I am coming to love the girls the more I know them. I want them all to be happy and healthy and I'll do what I can to support that. And I'll never undermine you as their Mum."

She huffs. "Well then. I don't think I can ask for more than that. You and I live very different lives, Dakota. When they are with you, I would just appreciate that you allow me the option to weigh in on new experiences for them. When they leave you and Jamie and your glamourous lives, they will come back to the country."

"I understand and I think that is more than fair. Thank you. I will do my best for your girls. They are extraordinary and I am just so happy you are willing to share them."

We discuss a few more basics and she asks if we might like to change the next visitation to LA instead of London. "I know you and James are planning to come over in a few weeks, but I need to go to LA for some recording sessions for a film score I'm working on. I could bring the girls with me and hand them over."

I bounce in my seat, "I think that sounds great, but let me check with Jamie. This is his decision. Thanks for the suggestion and for being willing to bring them."

*****

Jamie is like a damn octopus in bed and I smile inwardly as I awake to his nibbling on my neck and his arms and legs wrapped around me. As I rouse, he gently rolls me over and insinuates himself between my thighs – rolling back and forth until he gets me just where he wants me. He is primed and ready at my entry and bumps my nose as my eyes open groggily.

"Mornin' baby. I need to love you before I leave."

I reach around to scratch his butt cheeks, "Yes you do. I need to have my love tank filled up, please."

He sinks into me with a sigh, "I love you, sweetheart." I sigh as well, warm and wet for him even on waking. He sets up a steady pace as he licks and nips along my neck and ears.