That expression is like an arrow to the heart. All she has to do is point it in my direction, and I’ll be on my knees for her. It’s never been like this before.
Though there was a time I didn’t believe it, I now see what Salem meant when she said that even though she loved me, what she felt for Thayer was different. This sensation is so much more than I knew was even possible.
Around the kitchen, tubs of ice hold a variety of drinks, and there are platters full of finger foods.
“What do you want to drink?” I bring my lips to her ear to be heard over the music—some kind of rendition of “Monster Mash.”
“Just a Coke or Sprite.”
I dig through a tub, then pop open a can of Sprite for her and another for myself.
Then, with her free hand in mine, I lead her through the crowd as I search for Seda. It seems like half the residents of Hawthorne Mills are in attendance. I even spot Cynthia and Thelma among them, dressed as witches.
“Daddy!”
Before I can find her, her little body crashes into mine, and she loops her arms around my waist. My heart lurches as I soak in the affection. Every time she greets me like this, I worry it’ll be the last.
She pulls away, smiling up at me. “You dressed up as Westley.”
“You asked me to.” I ruffle her blond hair. “Did you really think I wouldn’t?”
She bats my hand away. “I knew you would, because you love me.” My girl turns to Halle, her smile just as bright as when she was assessing me. “Hi. You’re a pretty pirate.”
“Thank you.” Halle does some sort of curtsy maneuver that has me fighting a laugh. “And you’re a beautiful…”
“Buttercup,” I finish for her.
She snaps her fingers, giving me a grateful smile. “Right.”
Seda settles her hands on her hips, head cocked, full of attitude. “You’ve never seenThe Princess Bride, have you?”
Halle cringes. “No, I haven’t.”
With a huff, Seda says, “We’ll change that. Soon.”
Halle leans into me, her mouth at my ear. “I feel like I’m in trouble.”
“You definitely are.”
“Come on, Daddy.” Seda tugs at my sleeve. “Come say hi to everyone.”
I need to check on Laith like I promised, but I don’t want to run out on my daughter yet either.
“Mom,look! Daddy’s here!”
Salem passes over a wriggling Samson to Thayer and approaches. “I’m so glad you guys could make it. Casen and Quinn too.”
“Nice costume,” Halle tells her as the two women hug.
Salem adjusts her red cowgirl hat.
She’s dressed as Jessie, while Thayer’s Woody and Samson is Buzz. I haven’t seen Soleil yet, but I can guarantee she’s dressed as Slinky Dog or maybe Bo Peep.
“Are you okay here?” I ask Halle. “I want to check on Laith.”
Halle nods, offering me a reassuring smile. “I’m okay.”
I press a kiss to my little girl’s head. “I’ll be back in a few.”
