“You didn’t have a mom, right?”
“Yeah, mine left when I was four years old.”
“Did it hurt?”
I nod but then say, “Not for long, though. My mother wasn’t as amazing as yours.”
“Who took care of you after she left?” Lainey asks.
The years after my mother left were hard. I had to learn very quickly to take care of myself because my grandfather didn’t give two damns about me. I was always told to stay out of his way, and I think he only enrolled me in school so he’d be rid of me during the days.
A sad smile tugs at my lips. “When I met your mom, she took care of me.”
“You have me now, Nova.”
I move off the lid to sit on the floor right beside the tub and give her a grateful smile. “I love you, Lainey. Like you’re my own, but I’ll never try to replace your mom. Okay?”
She nods. “I love you too.” Her face starts to crumble under her grief as she adds, “I’m so glad you came to live with us.”
I brush my hand over the back of her head. “Me, too, my sweet girl.”
A tear rolls down her cheek. “I don’t want to sleep.”
“Okay.” I keep brushing my hand over her hair. “We can watch a movie until you’re tired.”
She nods, her chin quivering and her eyes sparkling with tears.
I gesture with a nod at the water. “Wash up so we can go snuggle on the couch.”
“Can we have popcorn and chocolate and watchThe Golden Compass?”
“Sure.” I climb to my feet. “Let me grab your pajamas, and then I’ll make the popcorn.”
“I want my pink ones,” she calls after me as I leave the bathroom.
I open her chest of drawers and grab the set she wants, along with underwear. Heading back to the bathroom, I place the clothes on the counter. “See you downstairs.”
“Okay.”
I shut the door behind me, and as I walk to the kitchen, I try to breathe through my own sorrow.
I don’t know how any of us will get through this.
I see Easton sitting on the couch, his forearms resting on his thighs, while he stares down at the floor.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
His head snaps up, and he nods. “Yeah.” Climbing to his feet, he asks, “How’s Lainey doing?”
“As well as can be expected.” I grab the popcorn from the pantry and place it in the microwave. “She wants to watchThe Golden Compass. Want to join us?”
“Sure.” He takes a seat at the island and stares at me.
I feel a little awkward and ask, “What?”
“I’m just thankful you’re here.”
His words soothe my broken heart, and I give him a warm smile. “I’m glad to be here.”
