“Dad! That would be so cool!”
Wincing at the disappointment she already knew this would bring, she turned into a parking spot and looked at Benny’s bright and excited face, knowing how that smile would disappear when Sam failed to show.
“I’ll do it,” Sam said. “I’ll be there.”
Or he’d have an excuse, an apology, and another empty promise that it would be different next time.
“Yay!” Benny shouted so loud, the dog jumped and barked.
“Oh, I hear Isaac!” Sam said on a laugh.
“He’s excited to meet you,” Benny said, not even correcting his father with the dog’s full name like he did everyone else. And it was time to step in.
“That would be lovely, Sam,” she said, keeping her voice even. “But we understand if you can’t make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he gushed. “I was calling about making a visit, so this is perfect.”
Her stomach churned. Hewouldmiss it. He always did.
“That would be so awesome, Dad,” Benny crooned, glowing. “Because at the end, they’re doing a special photo booth for Dads ‘n’ Dogs. We could take a picture together.”
“Dads ‘n’ Dogs?” Gracie choked. He’d never mentioned that.
“Don’t worry,” Benny said quickly, probably seeing her expression in the mirror. “There’s one called Moms ‘n’ Mutts, so you’ll get a picture, Mom.”
“Dads ‘n’ Dogs?” Sam repeated, amused. “Sounds perfect. Count me in, champ.”
Benny was smiling so hard it had to hurt his face.
And Gracie didn’t want to say anything that would wipe that smile away.
“Well, we’re at the dog refuge,” she said, putting the van in Park. “So you two say your goodbyes and we won’t hold you to?—”
“I’ll be there, Grace,” he said, his voice lower. “I can come and I want to. I mean, assuming that’s okay with you.”
“Of course,” she said, feigning brightness she certainly didn’t feel. “I’ll text you the time and place.”
“Perfect. And Merry Christmas, you two.”
They said their goodbyes, Benny still bubbling with excitement.
“So, why didn’t you tell me about the photo thing, Benny?”
Benny shrugged, adjusting his glasses. “Because I knew it would make you sad.”
The words sliced through her, clean and brutal. He said them so casually, as if managing her sadness was just another chore.
She blinked hard, turning to get her purse. Should she warn Benny not to count on his father showing that day? Would he even listen? Benny’s hopefulness was stubborn and blind. Sometimes he was so much like her mother, MJ, the eternal optimist.
It had gotten Benny through plenty of letdowns where Sam was concerned, and somehow, he handled them all. Mostly because Red made him laugh and forget his sadness.
Just then, she spotted Marshall climbing out of his SUV, helping Olivia with her dog named Kat.
He moved with the easy walk of an athlete, one hand protectively on his daughter’s shoulder. He wore a puffer vest that showcased broad shoulders and a strong posture, his head uncovered and giving her a good look at tightly cropped black curls.
Her gaze darted to the cream puffs again, the treats practically daring her to make a move.
Should she take them in with her? No, not with their kids both present.
