Marrying Sarah meant three little girls were thrown into the deal.
I suppose that's a bargain ... four girls for the price of one.
I had no idea.
Head over heals in love with Sarah ... completely out of my mind ... I said "I do" to her ... and "I'll try" to them.
Already completely in love with Jeremy, Kristen and Chelsea ... my kids ... all adults ... living their own lives in other places ... I was content ... maybe complacent.
Regardless I was clueless because Maddie, Laurel and Cassidy have completely stolen my heart.
It's the little things that did it.
Last week Jeremy and Terenca are here and we're all sitting at the table talking when suddenly ... completely unexpectedly ... Maddie throws her arms around me neck, lays her head on my shoulder, and simply listens to what we're saying.
My heart became melted butter.
"Hey Elliott," Laurel says to me.
"What middle Lingenfelter?" I reply.
"I love you," she says ... and I know she does.
She's crazy as a loon, always doing stupid stuff, makes decisions based purely on emotion and doesn't give a continental Damn what anyone else thinks ... but the girl knows how to love.
Cassidy is a lot like Maddie but convinced she's much cuter and that cute is what gets you through life.
She reminds me of Chelsea because Cass is an artist like Chels is an artist ... and Chelsea's cute too.
Cass is also the early riser in the family and rushes out of her bedroom like Kramer on Seinfeld, hair askew from her pillow, Dragon morning breath, clutching her blanket ... so I can pick her up ... and she kisses my cheek as I take her to the sofa ... give her the I-Pad ... and she asks for Cinnamon Rolls.
A long time ago Sarah promised they would love me but I didn't believe her.
They weren't my kids.
But they are now.
I have no idea how it happens but is has.
And I miss them today.
