It was a callback to a game they used to play, when Harper was younger and relaying all the goings on of the day to her mother. That got the smallest giggle out of Harper. “What else?”
“Uncle Charlie is the person I trust second most. And if your dad and Uncle Charlie are there, I know you’re going to be the happiest kids in the world. So I can do my job, and we’ll see each other as much as we can, and all of us will be happy.”
“That’s important,” Harper said, her tone far wiser than an eleven-year-old should be.
“It’s the most important thing. Dad and I talked for a really long time about the best way to make sure all of us are happy, and we really think this is it. We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise. But Harper, I want you to remember one thing. You don’t have to be happy every second of every day. Sometimes you might be sad or mad or frustrated. It’s the overall happy that Dad and I want, right?”
“So like, feel my feelings, but if I’m happy most of the time, then I know you guys made the right choice?”
I laughed. “You got it, kiddo. How’d you get so smart?”
Another glance back to see Harper’s mischievous grin appear. “Uncle Charlie.”
We all laughed then, even though she was probably telling the truth. I loved the bond my eldest had with my brother, andthey had been talking more and more lately. Charlie assured me that she was doing okay with everything, from the divorce to the move, and I was glad Harper had someone to talk to. Did I miss the days when my little girl came to me to solve all of her problems? Of course I did. But I was grateful she was able to have a solid sounding board.
It was only a few minutes later when Caitlyn turned back around and adjusted herself in her seat. A glance in the mirror showed that Harper’s eyes were once again closed. It must have been weighing on her for her to drop off so easily now that the conversation was over. At her age, she didn’t let me in as easily as she used to and I knew that. But just as I was glad that she had Charlie to turn to talk things out, I was doubly so that when it mattered, she knew she could talk to us. Of course, Charlie had probably encouraged her.
I stayed silent for a few more minutes, but when I heard that tiny, whiffling snore, I knew Harper was truly asleep. I kept my voice to a whisper. “She’s out. You okay?”
Caitlyn nodded and patted my hand where it rested on the steering wheel. Her voice was just as soft. “Yeah. I know we made the right decision. And I meant what I said to Harper.” She sighed. “I don’t want them to resent me.”
“They won’t.” Despite my quiet tone, I made sure Cait could hear my conviction. “You being fulfilled and happy, and a present mom when you’re together, is far better thanyouresentingthemsome day because we made different choices.”
“I know you’re right.” Another sigh. “But thousands of parents don’t have a choice, you know? Children are supposed to come first.”
“Caitlyn,” I said as gently as possible. “Youareputting your kids first. This is what’s best for them. And we’re lucky that we are in a position where we have a choice. You get your dream, and they get the best version of you when they have you. And therest of the time, they get me, and Uncle Charlie, a doting set of grandparents, and more aunts and uncles.”
She smiled her genuine smile. “That does sound pretty awesome.”
I chuckled, then quickly glanced back, but all three kids were still asleep. I bumped Caitlyn with my elbow. “It will be. I know it. So no more doubts, okay?”
“It wasn’t doubt, exactly. I just needed the reassurance. Thanks, Law.”
“Anytime.”
It started to snow just as we pulled into Black Dog Inn. The kids woke up as I slowed, and it only took them a second to realize we finally arrived. After reminding Tristan to use his inside voice, I asked the kids what they thought seeing all the snow and what they wanted to do. Tristan, unsurprisingly, wanted a snowball fight. Marlie wanted to make a snowman. Harper thought maybe it was too cold and she wanted to watch the flakes fall from inside. Caitlyn agreed with her.
Charlie had told me to follow the drive past the Inn and straight to the Yellow House, as it was apparently now called. He assured me that they would make sure it was plowed and salted, so I did as instructed and followed the curve around the main building and down to the house. I should have guessed that there would be a welcoming committee standing on the front porch.
“Uncle Charlie! Uncle Teague!” Tristan screamed, though with the windows closed and the distance still between us, the men couldn’t hear my son.
“Hang on, Tris. They can’t hear you.”
I wasn’t used to driving in snow, and though we’d passed through snow, the roads we’d traveled on had been clear, so I was still cautious as I brought the SUV to a stop. I didn’t pay any attention to the hoard descending the steps as I quickly popped open the backdoor. I knew I had to get Tristan out or he might actually explode. He already had his buckles undone when I opened the door and launched himself into my arms.
“Uncle Charlie!” Tris took off but he only had to make it five feet before Charlie was there to scoop him up and hug him tightly.
“I’m so happy to see you, Tris!” Charlie had tears in his voice, and I understood the feeling.
“Tristan, I need a hug and to hear all about your trip.” Teague made a show of stealing Tristan from Charlie. I was close enough to hear him murmur, “Go hug your brother.”
Even through the bulky coat, I could tell my brother had filled out a little and damn, I was glad for it. He’d always been lanky, but coupled with the body dysmorphia and the way he couldn’t eat when he was upset, he’d been downright skinny. Now there was a bit more meat on his bones, and I knew it was from being thoroughly loved. It was the only thing I’d ever wanted from him.
“Blue.” It was the only thing Charlie could manage to get out, so I just hugged him tighter and let him have a little cry. They were good tears, because we’d arrived safe and sound, and because we weren’t going anywhere. As happy as Charlie was with his boyfriend and his new life, he’d missed us.
We’d missed him just as much.
Hugs had to go all around. A thumping one from Teague, tight and mighty from Nic, softer from Dana. Even nose bumps from the dogs. I was glad to see Charlie introducing Caitlyn around,though Nic had met her before, and that the kids were babbling and excited. Pink cheeked and happy. And wearing hats.
