“Of course I’ll play with you.”
I sit beside him, legs crossed, as he tears into the box. The kid is soimpatient. His eagerness brings a lightness to my limbs that is so rare these days.
I lean forward and gently put a hand over one of his. “Bud, try not to tear up the instruction book.”
Once the truck has been put together, we take a break for lunch. Afterward, Santi and I play hide-and-seek, in which he hides and I seek.
Only when he rubs his eyes and yawns do I realize how long I’ve stayed. He probably missed his nap, and I know from experience how cranky he can be when that happens.
“Maybe you can read to him?” Ines stands and quietly digs through a small bin of books. “He’ll probably fall right asleep.”
“Sure.” I take the book she’s holding out for me—Goodnight Moon—and say, “Santi, your tío is tired. Want to read a story with me?”
With a nod, he clambers to his feet before he heaves himself onto the couch and pats the empty cushion beside him. I tuck him into my side and let him open the book. I only make it halfway before he gives me all his weight.
Slowly, I scoop him into my arms and carry him to his room. Once he’s tucked into bed, I brush his hair off his face and study him. My chest constricts painfully, but I don’t fight the sensation. He looks so much like Owen; he even does things that remind me of him—the way he purses his lips when he’s concentrating, his facial expressions when he’s excited. I miss his dad so much, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure this little boy knows how amazing he was.
I’ll make sure Santi and Ines have everything they need, Owen. You can count on me, man. I’ve got this. I promise.
Eventually, I force myself to retreat. In the living room, I find Ines sitting on the edge of the couch, holding a half-eaten croissant.
“I’m glad I brought more than one,” I tease as I sit beside her.
“Thank you. This bakery has the best in New York.” She holds the pastry out to me. “Wanna try?”
“No, that’s okay. I’m still full. The arroz con pollo was great. Thanks again.”
We’re silent for a moment. The living room has been tidied up; Ines put Santi’s toys away while I put him to bed.
“You don’t have to keep coming by, you know.” Her voice is quiet and soft. “We’re okay.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat and peer at her. “I know, but I like seeing Santi. I like spending time with both of you.”
Her dark brown eyes linger on me for a second too long. The air in the room shifts subtly, and suddenly, I’m hit with an awareness. The look on her face is familiar, even if she has never looked atmelike that. There’s uncertainty there but also a deeper curiosity. A longing.
Unbidden, a chill runs down my spine.
She’s grieving, still recovering from a loss that tore her life apart. Owen’s death wrecked me. I can’t imagine the pain she feels. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep showing up for her and Santi.
“Um,” I hedge, discomfort coiling in my gut, “if you don’t want me?—”
“No, no, no.” She places her hand on my knee. “I love having you here. I love watching you play with Santi. And I’m grateful. Some days, it feels like you’re the only one who still cares. All I meant was…I don’t want you to feel obligated to be here. I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Never.” I duck so our eyes are level. “You and Santi are my family, and I’d move mountains for my family.”
She takes her hand off my knee and sits back, the lines on her face smoothing out.
With a harsh exhale, I stand. “I should get going. I don’t want to monopolize your time.” I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans. “I’ll visit next week, but if you need anything?—”
“Then I’ll call you.” She nods. “Thank you so much for coming.”
I pat her on the shoulder and head for the door, desperate for fresh air.
My phone has just connectedto the Bluetooth in my car whenMomflashes on the screen. Warmth spreads through me, calming my racing heart.
I hit Accept on the display and sit back. “Hey, Mom.”
Like I expect, she launches straight into updates from home. Dad’s knee is acting up after he tried to fix a pipe under the sink. She ended up calling a plumber, who had the issue fixed in less than ten minutes, though it left my father’s ego bruised.
