Missing mornings like this.
Missing the chance to make new, happier memories with my family.
Before I allow the guilt and regret to overwhelm me yet again, I throw the car into reverse and leave the past in my rearview mirror.
Where it belongs.
The bell above the diner door jingles when I step inside, and I’m immediately surrounded by the aroma of coffee, bacon, and maple syrup. On a Sunday morning,the place is buzzing with people, but it doesn’t take me long to find who I’m looking for.
Presley is still eating her ice cream, although it looks like she’s slowing down. Jemmy’s singing a song about dinosaurs while Rowan attempts to clean the whipped cream off his hands, but she doesn’t seem aggravated or frustrated by the mess. She sings along with him, a bright smile on her face.
I don’t approach right away.
I just watch them, wanting to freeze this moment.
Presley hasn’t looked this carefree in months. Maybe longer. For the first time since the accident, she truly looks happy.
And Rowan…
God.
She looks like she belongs with them.
With me.
Like she’s a part of this family.
A part of our life.
Jemmy giggles as Rowan continues trying to clean him, his eyes finding mine.
“Dada,” he says excitedly, clapping his hands.
“I know, buddy,” Rowan replies, wiping at his face. “He’s sad he can’t be here. But he’s going to try to join us later on. Okay?”
“No.” Jemmy shakes his head fiercely, pointing a chubby finger at me. “Dada.”
Rowan and Presley both turn.
The moment Rowan sees me, her entire body stills, her mouth parting slightly.
I’ve never seen her speechless.
Until now.
I walk toward the booth, my shoes echoing softly against the tile.
She blinks, like she’s trying to process whether I’m real. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t let you three have all the fun without me.”
“So you’re not going to the…thing today?”
There’s something vulnerable in her question. Like she’s bracing for disappointment. For me to tell her I’m just stopping by.
I shake my head and smile. “I’m exactly where I need to be.” I hold her gaze, allowing her to see the truth in my words.
Then Presley jumps to her feet and wraps her arms around my waist, ice cream and all.
