A month after we adopted Jennifer, she looked up at me with big eyes and said, “Mommy, don’t trust Daddy.” Her words stuck in my mind, making me wonder what secrets my husband might be hiding.
I looked down at Jennifer’s small face, noticing her large, alert eyes and shy smile.
After all those years of hoping and waiting, here she was: our little girl.
Richard was practically glowing. He couldn’t stop gazing at her as if he wanted to remember every detail about her.
“Look at her, Marla,” he whispered in awe. “She’s just perfect.”
We had come a long way to reach this moment—doctor visits, long talks, and tons of paperwork for the adoption process. When we finally met Jennifer, something inside me just… knew it was right. She was only four years old—so tiny and quiet—but already felt like part of our family.
It had been a few weeks since we officially adopted Jen; we thought it would be nice to have a short family outing. Richard bent down to her level with a warm smile. “Hey! How about some ice cream? Would you like that?”
She didn’t answer right away but gave the smallest nod while snuggling closer to me.
Richard chuckled softly. “Okay then! Ice cream it is! We’ll make it special.”
I watched Richard try to encourage Jennifer out of her shell; however each question he asked made her grip on my hand tighten more while she kept looking back at me.
When we got to the ice cream shop,”How about chocolate? Or maybe strawberry?” he asked excitedly.
“Vanilla please.”
She ate quietly beside me while watching Richard carefully; I worried that everything might be too much for her.
That night when I tucked Jennifer into bed, she held onto my arm longer than I expected.
“Mommy?” she whispered hesitantly.
“Yes sweetie?”
She took a moment before meeting my gaze again with serious eyes. “Don’t trust Daddy.”
“Why do you say that honey?”
“He’s acting strange… like he’s hiding something.”
I tried keeping calm as I replied gently: “Jennifer! Daddy loves you very much! He just wants you to feel safe here with us!”
When I left her room eventually Richard waited by the door looking hopeful as he asked: “How did she do?”
“She’s asleep,” I said softly watching his expression change slightly.
“That’s good.” He seemed relieved but his smile faded some more afterward. ”I know it’s new for all of us… But we’ll be okay right?”
I nodded but couldn’t shake off what Jennifer had said.
The next day while stirring pasta on the stove,I heard Richard talking from the living room.
He was on the phone sounding low and tense so I paused wiping my hands on a towel listening closely as his voice echoed through the kitchen.
“It’s been harder than expected,” he murmured quietly.“Jennifer’s sharp…she notices more than I’d thought… I’m scared she’ll tell Marla.”
Tell me what? My heart raced trying not think too much into it even though curiosity grew stronger within myself.
“It’s hard keeping things hidden,” Richard continued.”I don’t want Marla finding out until it’s ready.”
What could possibly be so important? As I strained hearing him better his voice dropped lower making it impossible for me understand anything else before hanging up walking towards kitchen looking cheerful again!
Stirring noodles harder than needed trying act normal when Richard entered smiling brightly!
Later that evening after tucking Jen in bed,I couldn’t hold back anymore needing answers.I found him in living room going over papers sitting across from him gripping hands tightly together.
“Richard,” started calmly though nerves bubbled inside,”I overheard your phone call earlier.”
He raised an eyebrow surprised yet curious asking “Oh? What did you hear?”
Taking time choosing words carefully,“You mentioned something about Jennifer possibly telling me stuff…and how hard keeping things ‘under wraps’ is.What are you hiding from Me?”
He set down papers leaning forward taking hold of my hand gently saying,“Marla,I’m not hiding anything bad.I promise!”
“Then what’s going on? Why don’t want Jen telling Me?”
“I didn’t want You knowing because…I planned surprise birthday party for Jen—with help from brother.” His cheeks flushed slightly embarrassed.”Wanted this first birthday celebration special showing how much care!”
“I wanted everything perfect showing she’s part our family now!” He smiled relieved explaining further how worried he’d been she’d spoil surprise!
“I think she’s protective,” explained slowly.”Doesn’t know what expect & when told not trust You…it got under skin.”
Richard nodded thoughtfully saying “She’s sensitive still figuring things out.We need ensure feels safe loved—all three us!”
The next morning seeing him lovingly help pick breakfast cereal lifted spirits slightly moving join them table resting hand shoulder.Jennifer looked up calm eyes faint grin appearing face—it felt like hidden worries lifted between us all somehow!
