Page 42 of Madness

I press a kiss to her forehead, pushing down my burning curiosity. "For now, let's just focus on us, on the present. The past... it'll still be there if we ever decide to look into it more."

Lauren nods, snuggling closer. "I like that plan. Us, in the present."

As we turn our attention back to the TV, I feel a tumult of emotions. There are so many questions about that night three years ago, more now than ever before. But right now, with Lauren in my arms, those questions can wait. We've both been through enough. For now, this moment, this connection we're building, is what matters most.

But in the back of my mind, a spark has been lit. May 6th. Someday, I'll need to know more.

23

STICK AROUND

LAUREN

The clock on my dashboard hits 9:15 PM as I pull into Little Sprouts Daycare. My feet ache from the long dinner shift at Sunny's, but the sight of Roman's sleepy face as Miss Jess leads him out washes away some of the exhaustion.

"Mommy," he mumbles, rubbing his eyes as he toddles towards me.

"Hey, baby," I murmur, scooping him up. His weight is familiar and comforting against my hip.

"Good night, Lauren," Miss Jess calls with a wave. "See you tomorrow."

I nod gratefully, inhaling the familiar scent of crayons and disinfectant that always clings to Roman after a day at Little Sprouts. Once again, I'm thankful for this daycare that understands the needs of shift workers like me.

As I buckle Roman into his car seat, my mind races with everything I need to do. Dakota's coming over after his final band practice. Tomorrow, he leaves for three months on tour. Meanwhile, I'm juggling work, Roman, and the looming shadow of nursing school starting soon.

The drive home is quiet, and Roman is already dozing off again. By the time we get home, it's nearly 10. I carry him inside, my arms protesting after a long day of carrying trays.

"Okay, little man," I whisper, gently changing him into pajamas. "Time for bed."

He stirs slightly as I tuck him in. "Dakota?" he mumbles.

My heart clenches, and I hesitate. Part of me wants to promise Roman he'll see Dakota tomorrow, but another part - the protective mother in me - holds back. Dakota's leaving for months. What if things change? What if Roman gets too attached?

"We'll see, sweetie," I finally say, my voice soft. "Let's just focus on getting some sleep now, okay?"

Roman nods, already drifting off again. I press a kiss to his forehead and slip out of the room, guilt and uncertainty settling in my stomach like a stone.

Alone in the living room, I finally have a moment to breathe. I glance at my phone to see a text from Dakota.

DAKOTA: Just finished practice. Heading your way. See you soon. x

My heart flutters, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I look around, suddenly aware of the toys scattered across the floor and the pile of unfolded laundry on the couch. With a sigh, I start tidying up, my mind racing.

How are we going to make this work with him on the road? How will I manage school and Roman without Shannon around? And can I really afford the new daycare I'll need once classes start? Can I afford any of this?

As I fold a tiny t-shirt, my eyes catch the calendar on the kitchen wall. May's page stares back at me, that circled date - the 6th - seeming to pulse with unspoken questions. The day Miles died. The day Dakota's wife died. The day that changed both our lives forever and now, somehow, has brought us together.

A shiver runs through me as I consider the strange twists of fate that led us here. Part of me wants to ask Dakota about it, to unravel this mystery that connects us. But another part is terrified of what we might uncover. With everything else going on - the tour, school, Roman - do we really need to dig up the past?

I shake my head, pushing those thoughts aside. There are more pressing matters to deal with right now. Dakota will be here any minute, and we have a future to figure out.

The sound of a car pulling up outside makes me pause. My heart starts racing, and I feel a flush creep up my neck. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, and give the living room one last quick scan. It's not perfect, but it'll have to do. I smooth down my hair and walk to the door, my hand hesitating for just a moment on the handle before I pull it open.

Dakota stands there with a weary smile on his face. "Hey, beautiful," he says softly.

"Hey yourself," I reply, stepping back to let him in. "Roman's asleep, so we've got some time to talk."

Dakota nods, his expression turning serious as he follows me to the living room. "Yeah," he agrees. "We've got a lot to figure out."

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