He laughs once. “If it’s anything to do with him, she won’t.”

“You’re right. Hey, listen, I need to get the house opened up before Jack and the girls get here. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“All right. Be smart and wrap it up. You don’t need another kid.” He hangs up before I can say anything.

I go to the front porch and see Melia sitting in the sand, her brown hair blowing softly in the salty air. He may be right that I don’t need another kid, but I’m sure glad I have this one. Yvonne gave me something that she’ll never know the true joy of.

“Ready to help?” I ask, causing her to jump.

“Okay!”

We enter the house, which has been vacant for months. It was never like this when I was a kid because we were always coming here, the five of us running around like lunatics, playing in the pool or the ocean. Then, as we got older, we stopped coming. The trips here were then, just with Mom. Dad was gone a lot, Mom was alone, and it’s when we started to realize just how fucked up our parents’ relationship was.

Amelia and I move from room to room, pulling off sheets, opening windows, and getting the place cleaned up a little. She laughs as I chase her with the sheet, covering her and then spinning her around.

When I turn the last time, Jessica is there, watching us spin.

Her smile is bright as she leans against the doorjamb. “Hi.”

I take the sheet off Amelia, who is squirming. “Hey.”

Amelia looks over. “I’m Amelia Jane Parkerson. Are you Delia or Jessica?”

Jess moves closer. “I’m Jessica. It’s very nice to meet you, Amelia.”

“You were Daddy’s girlfriend.”

Jessica’s eyes move to mine quickly, and I laugh. “I told Amelia that we were friends, and she thought it meant something else, which led to me having to explain.”

She nods. “Ahh, I see. Well, a long time ago I was.”

“He doesn’t have a girlfriend now,” Amelia explains.

“That’s too bad because your dad is a pretty nice guy.”

Amelia beams. “He’s the best. He saves people.”

“He sure does.” She clears her throat and then returns her attention to Amelia. “Is this your room?”

“I hope so. It’s pink and pretty and I love it.”

I put her down after giving her a quick kiss on her nose. “You can stay in here if you want.”

“Yay!”

“Is that Melia I hear?” Jack calls from the hallway, and before I can turn, Amelia is rushing out.

“She loves Jack,” I explain.

“Most do. He’s like a giant child.”