“Grant—yourdad,” Eliza corrected, still stumbling over the word, “is bringing you back for Luke and Cassie’s wedding. You have a very important job, remember?”
A brief glimmer of pride illuminated Ben’s eyes. “I’m in charge of the rings.”
“Exactly. Which means they can’t get married without you.”
His gaze flickering to Grant again, Ben asked, “Do you think I’ll like it there?”
“You’re going to love it.” She swept aside his feathery bangs, wishing her heartache could be as easily tamed. “You’ll see all sorts of new and fun things. Like the ocean. You’ve always wanted to see the ocean, right?”
Ben nodded, gradually warming up to the idea, though they’d been over it all before.
“See, it’ll be great.” Eliza surprised herself with how cheerful she sounded.
Wrapping her arms around him one last time, she inhaled his little boy scent as she held him against her heart. After planting a kiss on his forehead, she stood, nudging him forward. “Have fun.”Good grief.How many times would she say that word? It wasn’t as if it had magical powers, and the more frequently she said it, the less her heart would break.
“And call me anytime, for any reason. Even if it’s simply to say hi or hear my voice,” she added, feeling a sob rise in her raw, swollen throat.
Chewing her pinky nail, she watched Ben continue down the driveway on his own, wheeling his small suitcase with Claude secured on top. The plush, floppy-eared head bobbed back and forth each time the wheels hit a rough patch of gravel, as if the dragon were nodding his farewell.
When Ben reached the car, Grant placed a hand on his shoulder, directing him toward the back seat.
Instinctively, Eliza cupped both hands over her mouth, uncertain how much longer she could suppress the swelling sob.
Ben glanced over his shoulder, and the second their eyes locked, he dropped his suitcase and bolted down the driveway.
Tears spilling down her cheeks, Eliza scooped him into her arms, cradling him against her, though he’d long since outgrown being held.
“I don’t want to go,” he cried into her hair. “I want to stay with you.”
Cooing softly, Eliza caressed his back, swaying back and forth. “Shh… it’ll be okay.”
“He can stay.” Now standing only a few feet away, Grant met her gaze. His eyes glistened, and he was unable to hide the raspy pain in his voice.
Grant set Ben’s suitcase beside her, a selfless act that wasn’t lost on Eliza.
As she studied Grant’s face, each subtle crease in his brow speaking volumes, his internal conflict was clear. They both wanted to do what was best for their son.
Their son…
Whether united or apart, they were in this together now.
Gently setting Ben down, Eliza knelt and wiped the tears from his eyes. “Bug, I know this seems scary because it’s new and different. But you and your dad will have a great time. I promise. I wouldn’t let you go if I didn’t believe that with all my heart. You know that, right?”
“Yeah,” he sniffled.
“Okay, then.” Straightening, Eliza offered Ben her hand. “Ready?”
He nodded, then glanced up at Grant.
Reaching out his other hand, he slipped his fingers through Grant’s, linking the three of them together.
Grant met her gaze over the top of Ben’s head, and for a moment, Eliza couldn’t breathe.
Her eyes pleaded with him not to go, but her feet started moving forward.
Side by side, they walked toward the car.
Her heart wrenching a little more with each step they took.
