So I wrap my arms around him and give him the comfort I sense he needs.
“Rough morning?” I murmur.
Hayden blows out a humorless laugh. “You have no idea.”
His hand slides up to cradle the back of my neck, thumb brushing beneath my ear.
“But it’s better now.” He tilts my chin up and presses the softest kiss to my mouth.
It’s barely there, but it melts something inside me allthe same.
God, I love this man.
The thought sneaks in before I can stop it. I didn’t mean it like that. I care about him. Want him to be happy. But I don’t love him.
Ican’tlove him.
“Is Presley being difficult?”
On a long exhale, he steps back, still keeping one hand on my hip, as if he needs the reassurance I’m here.
“She doesn’t want to go today.”
“She hasn’t been herself all week. Even her teachers noticed.”
“I know.” He releases me and drags a hand over his face, fatigue etched into every line. “But I need to be there. And if I need to be there, she does, too.”
“Is this really the best thing for her?”
His eyes flick up to mine.
I normally don’t question his decisions as a parent. But we’re not talking about signing Presley up for art classes or letting Jemmy have a play date.
This is bigger than that.
And it’s been affecting Presley’s mental health.
“I’m not a professional,” I continue softly, “but reminding her of the accident and losing her mom as much as your father-in-law does can’t be good for her. She makes so much progress, then it’s like we rip off the scab and she bleeds all over again.”
Upstairs, there’s another muffled thud followed by an angry stomp. Hayden squeezes his eyes shut, his frustration evident. But it’s mixed with something else, too. It reminds me of the despair I saw that first night. Whenhe absentmindedly commented how he thought he’d have his shit together by now.
“It’s her mom’s birthday,” I say, running a reassuring hand up and down his arm. “She doesn’t need church services and speeches. Maybe she needs something lighter. Maybe… Maybe I should watch them today.”
He shoots his gaze to mine. “It’s your day off.”
“I don’t mind. I love spending time with them. We could do something fun. A yes day of their very own. Let them pick what they want to do.”
He hesitates, and I expect him to say no. Remind me of Presley’s obligations. Of all the reasons why she needs to sit in a church today instead of being a kid.
“Actually… I think that’s a really good idea.”
I blink, surprised. “You do?”
“I do.” He chuckles. “Although their grandfather won’t be happy…”
“When is he ever?” I mutter under my breath, then wince. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that.”
“Yes, you did. And it’s okay. I’m willing to bear the brunt of Robert’s ire if it means Presley can have a good memory of today. She deserves it.”
