Halle’s frown deepens. “Don’t say that.”
I lift one shoulder and let it fall. “I’m just being realistic. Preparing myself for the inevitable, you know.”
She presses her lips together, toying with the blanket on her lap. “I would like to think that if I’d had a dad like you, I would’ve always valued his love and opinion, even when I was a moody teenager.” She cracks the tiniest of smiles, dark eyes carefully meeting mine.
I duck my head, holding her gaze. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
I’ve tried my best not to repeat my parents’ mistakes. To love Seda rather than smother her. To encourage her but not overwhelm her. I’m here because I want to be, not becauseI’m chasing some sort of recognition or clout through my kid.
“I think I’ll head back to your place. I’m all partied out.” She shoves the blanket off and carefully extracts herself from the swing.
I nod, thankful she came at all. I wasn’t sure this would be her kind of thing.
“I won’t be long. Salem and Thayer will probably kick everyone out soon so they can get the kids to bed.”
“Would you mind taking this back for me?” She holds the blanket out. “And could you give Salem my thanks?”
I drape the offered blanket over my arm. “I will.”
Halle holds my eyes, and my stupid heart skips a beat. The air between us thickens, though it’s tinged with awkwardness. Dammit. Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that her brothers could stay the night.
I’m still cursing myself when she clears her throat lightly and says, “I hope they stay.”
I blink, taken aback, frozen in place as she descends the stairs to the pavers lining the front walkway.
She’s halfway across the yard when I find my voice. “What?”
Peeking over her shoulder, she gives me a smile that’s equal parts nervousness and excitement. “You heard me.”
My heart takes off as she turns back and makes a beeline for my front door. Only once she’s tucked safely inside do I go back in.
I toss the blanket over the back of a chair and catch a glimpse of Seda. I can’thelp but grin. She and several other partygoers are dancing to “Thriller.” My little girl is doing the dance mostly wrong, but she’s waving enthusiastically for me to join.
Without hesitation, I join in, soaking in the time I have with her. Seda’s giggles are almost as loud as the music, each one lighting me up inside. The first time I heard her laugh, I was certain I’d never love another sound more. That hasn’t changed. Her laughter is infectious.
When that song ends and a ballad begins, she grabs my hands and sways to the music. My heart pangs at the joy in her expression as I shift gears just as seamlessly. Lately, I can’t stop thinking about how fast she’s growing up. I fucking blinked, and she’s ten. I worry that I’ll blink again, and she’ll be off to college. I want time to slow down so I can cherish every moment. Once these days are gone, there’s no going back.
“I’m tired.” She wipes the back of her hand against her forehead. “And thirsty.”
Before I can reply, she scurries off.
I could use a bottle of water myself, so I head to the kitchen. Halfway there, A Spiderman steps into my path, stopping me. It isn’t until he pushes his mask up, revealing heat reddened cheeks, that I can tell it’s Quinn.
“Have you seen my sister?” he asks.
Before I can answer, Casen is there too, taking his mask off entirely, his hair a sweaty mess.
“She went home.”
They frown at one another, like one person looking into a mirror.
It’s so wild how identical their movements and expressions can be. Yes, they have their differences—Quinn prefers syrup on his pancakes while Casen sticks with butter only, and while Casen isn’t a big fan of scary movies, Quinn is borderline obsessed—but their synchronicity is a bit jarring at times.
“She’s okay,” I say. “Just tired.”
And probably waiting for me.
I leave that part out.
