Chapter 45 - Christmas Part 1 of 3

Rolled 10 - Lice - Ugh

Kaitlin's birthday had been wonderful. She had never felt so desired and loved. Not only did Leroy take her to a 5 star resort, he surprised her with the deed to a piece of property they had looked at a few days earlier. He laid it on the table between them, fully expecting her to accept it.

Kaitlin refused. She couldn't accept it as a gift and after a little friendly negotiation he agreed that as soon as she paid for it they could start construction. He got a deal. It was only $1,600 and was on the river not far at all from his house. It was the last lot left. It was small so building would be a bit of a challenge but Leroy could help with that.

Of course Leroy also wanted to help with the building costs. But until she was divorced Kaitlin insisted she had to pay for everything. Once again they compromised. As soon as they were married, he would add an upstairs suite for them. She knew it was probably silly but this was what got her through each and every day since leaving her husband almost 2 years ago - creating a real home for her children. She needed to makeup for all the harm she had caused them. She had come this far and needed to see it all the way through.

* * * * * * *

This afternoon Leroy and Kaitlin planned to surprise the kids and take them to see the property. It was going to be a Christmas present for all of them. Their own home.

Sadly, their plans changed when Kaitlin got home from work. She walked in and found Dakota and Ben arguing.

When Dakota saw Kaitlin she sat in the chair and put her head in her hands crying. Kaitlin sat down with her. “What's wrong baby?” she asked.

Dakota handed Kaitlin a note from the school. Lice was going around in their classroom and the school nurse said she had them. She needed to have her head shaved. Kaitlin's heart sank. She was pretty sure Dakota didn't have lice but if she did it would be hard to get rid of them any way except shaving.


Kaitlin looked sympathetically at the 5-year-old. “Okay. Well then, we are going shopping. Hats are all the rage - right? We’ll pick out a few. As soon as Daddy Roy gets here we can leave.”

“Can I go?” asked Ben.

Kaitlin looked at Ben surprised then at Dakota. This was her call. By the horrified look on her face the answer was a resounding no.


"Come here sweetie," said Kaitlin and gathered her in her arms. Then she said to Ben, "You know what Ben, this is a chick thing, why don't you hang out with Mr. Leroy. Maybe show him the new car you won in your racing game.”

Ben looked dejected but thankfully didn't argue.

As soon as Leroy arrived, Kaitlin broke the news to him. He gave Dakota a sympathetic smile and a hug as the pair left him in charge of the rest of their brood.

* * * * * * * *

Kaitlin and Dakota arrived home an hour later with a couple of hats.  Thankfully today had been the last day of school before the winter break and she would have a couple of weeks to get used to wearing a hat before she had to go back.

“It's time Dakota. Let's go into the bathroom. We will get it over with and put on your new hat so no one will see.”

After they were done, she looked in the mirror and started to cry.

Kaitlin held her until she stopped and then helped place the hat on her head and told her to look again. She got a small smile out of her this time. “Better?” asked Kaitlin.

Dakota nodded her head. “Thanks Mommy K,” she said sadly.

“I had fun shopping with you today," said Kaitlin, "We should so that more often. Come on, let's go show Daddy Roy your new hat.”

Dakota walked out of the bathroom bashfully.

“Good choice Dakota,” said Leroy smiling, “I like it. Maybe you can wear it even after your hair grows back.”

“It's going to grow back?” asked Dakota.

Ben started laughing. “Yes, doofus! I told you so!” he said righteously.

“Ben! Don't laugh at your sister or call her names!” scolded Leroy as Dakota started to tear up again.

“She's not my sister! And you're not my Dad!” retorted Ben at being reprimanded by Leroy.

“Ben!” exclaimed Kaitlin, “Apologize to both Mr. Leroy and Dakota right now and then go to your room!”

“Fine!” grumbled Ben spat out, “I'm sorry.” Ben turned and stomped out mumbling, “I don't want to be in here anyway.”

Maddy was watching and noticed Dakota getting upset. She toddled over to her and took her hand, “Play house?” she asked.

“Sure,” said Dakota and allowed herself to be led over to the dollhouse by Maddy and the two of them were quickly playing house.

Leroy and Kaitlin just looked at each other. “I'm sorry about Ben,” said Kaitlin, “I think his feelings got hurt when Dakota didn't want him to go with us.”

“Yeah, he pretty much sulked the whole time you two were gone. Do you think I should go and try to talk to him? Reassure him that I am not trying to be his Dad?” asked Leroy.

“Let's see how he is tomorrow. Right now we need to get the girls to bed. Reese and Brooke put the boys down before they left,” said Kaitlin as she picked up Maddy.

“Okay. And then we need to talk," said Leroy as picked up Hailey from the playpen, "I have news about Reid.”

They walked into the bedroom followed by Dakota.

“Then it's true? He was charged?” asked Kaitlin as they put the two youngest girls in bed.

“Yes, but there is more," said Leroy as he leaned in and kissed his daughter. "Night baby girl," he said patting her head before walking over to Dakota's cubby, Kaitlin following.

He leaned in and kissed Dakota. "I love you little bug," he said.

Dakota sat up and giggled, "I'm not a bug Daddy Roy."

"Oh, yes, fairy princess. How silly of me," said Leroy.

"Nooo. I'm not really a fairy princess,"  replied Dakota.

"Ohh?" asked Leroy.

"I'm a giiirrrl!" she said drawing it out.

"Well then, goodnight my sweet girl," he said.

Kaitlin couldn't help but smile at his interaction with Dakota. He obviously adored his children. You would have thought Dakota had been his at birth.

Leroy turned around and looked at Kaitlin and whispered, "Come on. Let's go talk. I really need to tell you about Reid."

Go to Chapter 44 - Part 2 of 3

Go Back to Chapter 44 - Part 3 of 3