Page 91 of Stay

“Let’s see what she’s doing,” he says, perking up.

“Okay, I’ll call, but we can’t be disappointed if she’s busy.”

“Okay,” he says, nodding.

But when I call and she doesn’t answer, he sighs.

“I’m a little disappointed,” he says.

“Me too.”

I text the family thread. Maybe they know where she is.

Tracy just left. What’s everyone doing?

It’s about a minute before my phone buzzes.

Marlow

They’re all skiing. Felicity’s with them—did you know she’s an incredible skier? Seriously envious of her skills. Do you guys want to come over? I’m watching Dakota tube down the bunny hill. You could get a few runs in while I watch the kids. Or Owen might rather ski.

“Felicity’s with the fam skiing. Marlow said Dakota’s tubing. Do you want to head over there? You could go tubing or skiing for a little while before they close.”

“Yes,” he says, bouncing up and down. “I’ll tube with Dakota so she’s not by herself.”

“That’s nice of you, but Aunt Marlow’s hanging close…”

“But Aunt Marlow’s pregnant, so she can’t really go tubing right now.”

“Good point.” I squeeze his shoulder and he looks at me over his shoulder. “Do you know how proud I am of you?”

“Yeah,” he says, smiling.

“Good. Because I think you’re the best person I know, and I know some really great people.”

“Thanks, Dad. I think you’re the best too.” He tugs on my hand and moves us toward the stairs. “We don’t have much time.”

I laugh and we run up the stairs. “We’ve got a couple hours. Get your warm clothes on. Hustle.”

He salutes and hurries to his room. I hurry too, throwing on layers as fast as I can.

“I’ll meet you in the garage,” I tell Owen as I’m passing his room. “I need to get my skis.”

“Okay.”

But he’s out of his room, ready to go before I get all the way down the stairs.

We make record time to the resort and I walk with Owen to the bunny hill. Before we get there, I look over at Owen.

“Wait. Here, let’s get your jacket zipped up.” I zip up his jacket and unclip his gloves from his coat, guiding his hands inside. Then I tug his hat to cover his ears and bop his nose. “There.”

He grins up at me, and then he reaches out and zips up my jacket. Then he pulls my gloves out and nods likecome on.I chuckle and let him put my gloves on one at a time. When he’s done with that, he motions for me to come closer and I bend down. He pulls my hat over my ears and then pats my cheek with his massive glove.

“I think we’re all set,” I tell him, grinning wide.

“All set,” he echoes.

And then he takes off, running toward Dakota, and she yells in delight when she sees that he’s here.

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