“Why didn’t you tell me about her?”
“There was nothing to tell. She’s my friend who happens to be female. That’s it.”
The sincerity in his eyes makes me believe him. And maybe he does believe it. Maybe he really doesn’t see the way Margot’s whole face lights up when she looks at him, the way her teasing has an edge of something more.
For the past two days, I’ve watched him be patient, loving and present with Bella. I’ve seen the man he is now versus who he was six years ago. He’s sought me over and over these past days even when I gave him nothing in return.
I told him about the shooting today, and instead of making excuses for what he said to me that day, he just listened. I could tell it broke something inside him.
Maybe I’ve been punishing him for a crime he’s already served time for. Maybe we’ve both been prisoners of that phone call for too long.
I reach up, wrapping my arms around his neck, rising on my toes to bring our faces closer. “Enrick—”
“Mommy! Daddy!” Bella’s voice breaks us apart. She bursts into the kitchen, practically vibrating with excitement. “Can I please please please ride the snowmobile? Uncle and Aunt Gina said Penny and Mycah and Asher can go, but Jake said I need you to say yes!”
“Slow down, B,” I say, trying to catch my breath. My arms are still halfway around Enrick’s neck.
“Everyone gets to go but me!” She bounces frantically. “Even Isa!”
“We need to make it quick though,” Maverick calls from the living room. “Certain children need to be in bed at a reasonable hour if they want Santa to come.”
“SANTA!” Bella gasps. “I forgot! I gotta go to sleep early or he won’t bring presents!”
I glance at Enrick, having one of those wordless parent conversations.
“We can take her together,” Enrick suggests. “All three of us on one snowmobile.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You mean the guy who crashed into a tree?”
“That was one time,” he protests. “And Margot exaggerates. It was more of a... gentle collision with a very large pine.”
“A gentle collision?” I can’t help but smile at his defensive tone.
“I’m perfectly capable of operating a snowmobile without incident.” He straightens, trying to look dignified. “That tree came out of nowhere.”
“Trees are known for their sudden movements,” I say dryly.
“Mommy, please?” Bella tugs at my hand. “Daddy won’t hit a tree with both of us on there!”
“Your confidence is overwhelming,” Enrick mutters, but he’s smiling.
“Fine. But you’re driving slowly.”
“Like a senior citizen.”
“YES!” Bella shrieks before racing off to gear up.
The next hour passes in a blur of activity. Kids bundle into snowsuits while Jake and Margot organize routes. Enrick takes Bella and me out first, driving so cautiously that Bella complains we’re going too slow.
“That’s the point, B,” I say, holding her tight between us.
After our loop around the property, we hand Bella off to Gina for hot chocolate while the older kids take their turns. Enrick catches my hand as we walk back toward the house.
“Want to go again?” he asks. “Just us this time?”
Something in his voice makes my pulse quicken. “Sure.”
This ride is different. Without Bella between us, I settle onto the seat in front of him, my back against his chest, his arms caging me in as he grips the handlebars.
