“They’re giving her three months at most, and only if we’re lucky. Her doctor said to enjoy our last moments as best as we can. No more holding back by fear that it will make her worse...”
“It’s in her heart?” I ask softly.
He nods his head, then leans back in his seat and wipes his eyes.
“Give her what she wants. Get her a damn dog, even if it’s only for a week. We’ll take it after if you can’t keep it. She wants to go to Disney, go to Disney. She wants a horse, I’ll buy her a fucking horse,” I whisper.
“Whatever it is, do it. Let us help, Bryan. I know you’re a proud dad and want to do it all, but let us help you. Take advantage of what we’re offering, and spend that time with her. Take the time off work, we’ll help you out financially. Your job will understand, and if they don’t, quit. We’ll help you find a new one when you’re ready.”He works in construction and has years of experience. How hard can it be to find him a new one?
He opens his mouth to protest, but I put my hand up, stopping him. “The only answer I want to hear is ‘yes’ or ‘thank you’.”
He smiles sadly. “Thank you.”
We end our conversation there and watch the kids playing in the yard for a little while longer. Maddie starts to run a little faster as Daisy chases behind her, Gracie crawling not far behind. Suddenly, Maddie drops to her hands and knees, head bowed down between her arms as she gasps for air.
Within seconds we’re all crowding her, Emma being the first one. She places her hand on Maddison’s back and kneels beside her.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” she asks with worry.
“Maddie, baby. Are you okay? Can you breathe? Tell me what hurts, baby.” Her dad hurries to her other side. He goes to take her in his arms, but Maddie lifts her head finally and sits back on her calves.
She takes a few deep breaths, letting them back out slowly. “I’m okay,” she finally says in a quiet, shy voice, taking a couple more inhales and exhales before giggling breathlessly. “Ishouldn’t have run. I’m sorry, Daddy, I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
Emma looks up at me, and the look on her face tells me she’s seconds away from breaking down. I cup the back of her head and slide my hand down her hair.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want to go see Doctor Carlton to make sure?”
“No, Daddy. I’m okay, I promise.” She smiles at him like her heart didn’t almost just give out.
“How about we head inside now? Little Tulip will be due for her nap, and you could watch a movie in the living room, or we could bake cookies together? You two could stay for dinner as well, I insist,” Em tells them.
“Oh, please! Can we, Daddy? Can we?” Maddie claps her hands with excitement, causing Gracie to do the same as she giggles.
“I don’t know… I don’t want to impose. You’ve already done so much for us,” Bryan says.
“You aren’t imposing at all. I’d really like to spend more time with my Little Lotus.” Em winks at Maddie.
She doesn’t even wait for him to agree, simply rising to her feet and lifting Gracie into her arms at the same time. Then Em stretches a hand out for Maddie to take before turning and heading into the house.
Bryan looks at them leaving, unsure what to do or say. I clap his back and chuckle. “Even if you said no, she would have found a reason to make you stay. Emma likes to get her way.”
He shakes his head with a smirk. “Yeah, I’ve picked up on that.”
The rest of the day went well without any worrying incidents. Bunny and Maddie ended up making a few different types of cookies, as well as cupcakes and brownies. Then dinner was served, and we all got to taste their delicious pastries afterward.
When Bryan and Maddie are getting ready to go, I catch Emma looking at the front door a few times with that bothered look on her face.
I walk up to her, palming the back of her neck. “What’s wrong?” I whisper against her ear before kissing her neck.
“That car isn’t safe, Greyson. Certainly not for a child.” She chews on her bottom lip, eyes still fixed on the door.
“What do you want me to do?” I kiss her shoulder.
She thinks for a moment, then turns her head to the side to face me. “Can you go empty my car quickly?”
I smile against the skin between her neck and shoulder.This girl.I lift my gaze to hers. “Are you sure?”
“Mhm. I can’t let them leave in that. What if they have an accident on their way home? I’ll feel guilty. I’ll get my dad to bring me a new one tomorrow.”
