“That’s what the counselor said.”
Linc scoots closer. “If you ever need to talk to anyone, you can always talk to me,” he says.
Caroline looks up at him, her eyes wide and hopeful. “I’m so glad you’re back. Don’t ever leave again, okay? We need you.”
My heart twists and turns in my chest.
Linc clenches his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere. Not ever again. I promise.”
She nods, content with his response, and surprisingly, so am I.
“Linc?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you sing me a song?”
“You want me to sing you a song?” He laughs.
She nods. “When I’m sad or when I want to smile, I always listen to your songs.”
Like mother, like daughter.
Pride washes over his face as he leans down to kiss the top of her head. The walls around my heart struggle to keep my emotions at bay. “Well, I’ll do anything to keep that smile on your face.” He hops down from the truck.
“Where are you going?” she asks.
“Just so happens I have my guitar with me today,” he tells her with a wink.
Caroline beams at him as he reaches the cab of the truck. After retrieving his old guitar from the backseat, he takes his place again next to her.
“Any requests?”
She taps her chin as if she’s trying to decide, but I know what song she’ll choose before she even says it. “‘Sweet Caroline?’”
“I was hopin’ you’d say that.” He grins.
He strums the strings, finding the melody easily. He’s sung this song to her a million times. She never grows tired of hearing it and honestly, neither do I. It never fails to bring a smile to my face or light a fire in my heart. Finally finding my feet, I walk toward them, no longer able to stay away.
Just as Linc reaches the chorus, Caroline jumps up in the back of the truck, dancing and stomping her bare feet.
Laughter erupts from my chest, my heart swelling with happiness. Something I haven’t felt in a really long time. Linc’s eyes find mine and he gives me wink, a wave of warmth enveloping me. I mouththank youbefore turning to face Caroline.
“C’mon, Mama! Dance with me,” she squeals, reaching out her arms to me.
I shake my head but when she brings her clasped hands beneath her chin and pokes out her bottom lip, I can’t deny her. Dropping my tools to the ground, I climb in the back of the truck and dance with my baby girl while Linc sings his heart out just for us.
The remainder of the day has been one of the best I can remember in a long time. We went in for lunch after Linc’s mini jam session where he took request upon request from Caroline, even humoring her with a few Taylor Swift songs. The man never ceases to amaze me. His ear for sound and his ability to pick up on a melody so quickly is a remarkable gift. The tension between us eased up with Caroline around, and when the time arrives for him to go, we have found our comfort zone with each other once more.
It’s nearly dark when I wander out onto the porch and find Linc packing up his tools and loading up his truck.
“I won’t be here tomorrow so make sure you bring water and your lunch.”
He chuckles, the sound soothing and warm. “I will.”
Slamming the tailgate of his truck, he walks to the foot of the steps. The porch light illuminates his face as a smile teases the corners of his lips.
I fold my arms across my chest.
