“You can watch TV if you want.”
He nods but makes no move to grab the remote off the coffee table. With one last look at him over my shoulder, I walk into the pantry under the guise of grabbing the ingredients I need for the pancakes.
I let out a heavy exhale, my forehead falling against one of the shelves. Two tears fall, losing the battle I’m no longer trying to win. I feel like I just got hit by a truck in the best way possible, if that even makes sense.
I heard his voice.
It might seem like an insignificant word, but when it’s the only word you’ve heard your child say in over a year, it feels like the greatest gift I could ever be given.
I thought hearing him say “dada” for the first time when he was a baby got me all in the feels. That doesn’t even hold a candle to the feeling exploding in my chest right now.
I give myself five deep breaths to sink into the overwhelming emotion coursing through me. Then, I grab the pancake mix and walk back out into the kitchen.
The whole time I’m making breakfast, I find myself glancing over at Oliver more than I normally would. I’m still in shock.
He’s the same kid he was when he walked down the stairs this morning, but with that one word, he took a chisel to the walls he put up to protect himself.
I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of him than I am right now—and that’s saying a lot because I’m proud of that kid every damn day.
A lot of things have led to this moment. It isn’t one singular thing that allowed him to find his voice again, but some recent changes seem to be making all the difference.
This town.
Maverick.
Abby.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Abby
“Do I look okay?”Sienna asks, spinning around in a circle.
She’s the perfect depiction of sweet meets sexy in her flowy yellow dress and knee-high leather boots. Her vibrant red curls just add to the whole vixen yet girl-next-door vibe.
I don’t know how it’s possible for one person to be both things at the same time, but Sienna absolutely is.
“You look perfect,” Hadley says.
“You sure?” Sienna asks, eyeing herself warily in the mirror.
The rest of us ladies echo our agreement that she looks great.
It’s girls’ night, and Hadley offered to have us all get ready at her place. We’re all gathered in her bedroom and the connected bathroom.
Avery and Riley are currently in the bathroom finishing up their makeup. I’m sitting on the edge of Hadley’s massive bed beside Leah.
I didn’t know if she was going to accept my invitation to come with us, but I’m glad she did. She deserves a night of fun after everything she’s been through lately.
She has been quiet since we got here about an hour ago, but I can see her coming out of her shell a little more with the way everyone instantly accepted her into the group.
I felt the same way last year when I hung out with all of them for the first time, thanks to Riley dragging me along with them. Now, I’m just part of the group.
Hadley’s dog, Cash, nuzzles his big head between Leah and me. He peeks up at both of us with hopeful eyes, obviously wanting some love. How can anyone resist a face like that?
Leah and I start petting him at the same time, and his eyes flutter closed. I feel as relaxed as Cash seems to be as my fingers run through his fluffy, black fur.
“He’s so cute,” Leah says.
