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Donja watched as Carson, so tall and handsome led his bride to the dance floor. He looked dapper in his tux. He took a sweeping bow with a fringe of blonde hair falling upon his brow. A few surprised gasps echoed the massive room and then like a story book prince, he pulled her into his arms. Captivated, Donja took a breath; it was all so magical, her mother’s sable locks dangling, her chin tilted up to Carson’s adoring blue eyes. Curious of Makayla’s response, Donja turned her head to look. She was gone.
Strange.
She turned back and watched the dance.
“They are so in love,” Debbie whispered.
“Yes, they are,” Donja smiled and it was almost genuine for truth be known, she was happy for them. Kinda. The music stopped as Carson and her mom departed the dance floor.
“Where’s Makayla?” Carson asked.
Donja shrugged her shoulders.
Carson flipped his phone from his tux and walked a safe distance away.
“Honey,” Lisa said, smoothing Frankie’s unruly hair. “Your grandma will be leaving soon.”
“Why?”
“She has things to do. Now I want you to mind her while I’m gone. I’ll call you as soon as we get to Hawaii.”
“Can’t I go?”
“No, we’ve been over this again and again. It’s our honeymoon and kids are not allowed.”
Defiant, Frankie folded his arms over his chest and frowned.
Lisa ruffled his hair. “The circus is going to be in Grand Rapids tomorrow and Grandma’s gonna take you.”
The fight in Frankie’s dark eyes faded. “Sweet.”
Lisa turned to Donja. “You going to be okay on your own?”
“Mom, I’m not on my own. Debbie’s sleeping over and Maestro will watch over us.”
“Oh gosh, speaking of Maestro, did you get dog food?”
“I did, but I forgot to get it out. It’s still in my car.”
Carson approached as he slid his cell back inside his tux.
“Is Makayla okay?” Lisa asked.
“Oh, yeah,” he said with a not so convincing tone. “She wasn’t feeling well so she and Heather are driving back tonight.”
“That’s a long drive, Carson. I told her they could stay at the house overnight with Donja.
Come on, Mom, she’s not about to sleep with the enemy, Donja thought.
“I know, but she’s bashful. She wants to be home,” he replied sheepishly.
Donja bit her lip.
Good try, Carson, but it has nothing to do with bashful. Your little princess doesn’t want anything to do with us…especially me.
“Well, let’s go greet our guests,” Lisa winked as she looped her arm in Carson’s.
“As you wish, Mrs. Hampton,” Carson said with his lips curling into a smile.