“I think we can make an exception with Sadie’s big win.”
“Okay!”
“And then maybe we can make dinner together so it’s ready when Dad gets home?”
“Best day ever!” Sadie grabs Sam’s hand and they run off toward the lobby of the school.
I wave to Max as I chase after them.
“Slow down, girls.”
I grab their hands as I steer them toward my car. With Marcus’s mom being gone, I got an extra set of booster seats.
Just in case.
I’ve ended up using them more than I thought I would. It’s like Marcus knew he would need me. I like that he can rely on me. Anything for him and the girls.
But I don’t mind. Making sure they’re strapped in, I hop into the driver’s seat and start the car.
“Tell me about this winning chess move,” I say to Sadie.
There’s a small mom-and-pop ice cream shop a fewmiles from the school, but with traffic, it’s taking us a while to get there.
“He thought he had me with his queen, but I saw a move with my bishop and I was able to take it. After that, it was an easy checkmate.”
“Is that the one you used to beat me?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m not very good, but I’m glad you won.”
“I was able to capture seven pieces,” Sam tells me. “I usually don’t get that many.”
“Good job, Sam. Looks like we’ll have two chess wizards to contend with.”
“She did a really good job,” Sadie agrees.
I smile, inching our way toward our destination. I like that these two have each other. Sam might not like chess all that much, but she plays so she can spend the time with Sadie. My older sister and I were never that close when we were younger. We are now, but we still don’t get to see each other that often since she lives in California.
The girls are chattering about their day as the arrow lights up. The car in front of me goes, but the next thing I know, the sound of squealing brakes hits me. I have less than a second to throw my arm out before the air bags explode.
Holy shit.
The smell of smoke is thick in the small car as my ears ring.
Sam and Sadie. It’s the only thought that penetrates my rattled brain as I turn to find them screaming in the backseat.
“Are you okay?”
Sam is crying and Sadie has her eyes squeezed shut with her hands over her ears. They’re both frazzled, but at first glance, they look okay.
Holy shit. There’s a dull throbbing in my head, and my wrist aches.
“It’s okay, girls. It’ll be okay.”
I’m saying it as much to them as I am to myself.
“I want Daddy,” Sam cries. “Where’s Daddy?”
