“Shay.” Skye stood at the entrance, hugging the wall, her red-rimmed eyes watery with tears.
I straightened and motioned for her to come closer. When she did, she cupped Dad’s face with her palms. “Mommy’s in heaven, daddy. Shay said she’s watching over us.”
“She is, Angel.” He kissed her brow and lifted her to sit on his lap. “Why are you awake?”
Her gaze shifted from him to me. “Shay promised not to leave me and when I got up, he wasn’t there.”
“I’m sorry, Blue.”
Her smile lacked its usual mischief. “Do you think Mommy’s alone, daddy?” She twisted the hem of her pink pj top, her eyes shifting between Dad and me. Her bottom lip trembled, and she inhaled hard as if trying not to cry.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from giving into my tears.
“No, because she has all the angels around her, taking care of her,” he replied, smoothing back the stray strands of her hair.
“What about nighttime, wouldn’t she feel lonely?”
Dad shook his head. “Mommy will never be alone. She’ll always have someone watching over her even when she sleeps.”
“Like how Shay watches me when I’m sleeping?”
He nodded. “But Shay can’t watch you all night, Angel because he needs to sleep to.” His gaze drifted to me and the sadness in his eyes was overwhelming.
“Come here, you” I picked her up. “Are you hungry?” She shook her. “Ready for bed then?”
She nodded. “Can I sleep with you?”
“Who can resist these puppy-dog eyes.” I touched a fingertip to her nose, earning a yawn. “Only for tonight, right. Otherwise, your bed is going to start crying for you.” She rested her head on my shoulder, her little hands clutching my neck.
About to walk off, Dad stopped me. “Thank you, son.” At my frown, his gaze shifted to Skye then back to me.
I didn’t have to ask to know he was thanking me for making Julie part of our lives and accepting Skye. With a consoling smile, I touched a hand to his shoulder. “Get some sleep.” As I walked off, I heard his quiet sobs and swallowed mine knowing sleep wouldn’t be easy for both of us.
7. I’ll Be Missing You – P. Diddy
Shay – 20 years; Skye8 years
