Page 74 of Follow My Heart

She let out a breath. “Okay.”

“I’ll take you this weekend, but from here on out, you’re with Mom on her weekends.” Things could still come up, and I’d need to be flexible. But for now, consistency would be better for Faith.

“Are you hanging out with Violet tonight?” Faith asked hopefully.

“I was supposed to take her out to dinner. I had to cancel.” The moment Stacy called me, I’d had a knot in my stomach about my plans for the evening.

Faith’s expression fell. “You cancelled because of me?”

“Violet understands you come first.”

Her shoulders lowered. “I didn’t mean for you to cancel your plans though.”

Faith hadn’t thought any of it through beyond getting her immediate needs met. “We can ask Violet if she wants to join us tonight. Or it can just be the two us.”

“I don’t mind if Violet’s there. It’s just Phil comes with three boys who wrestle all day long.”

My lips twitched because that’s what I did with my brothers at that age too. “You don’t have anything in common with them?”

“The oldest one, McCoy, likes to read when he’s not fighting with his brothers.”

“There you go.”

“Did you hear the part where they wrestle most of the time?”

“I know it’s different from what you’re used to but, maybe you’ll like having someone to play with if you give them a chance.”

Faith looked out the window. “I’ll try.”

“I’m proud of you.” I didn’t want her to feel bad about tonight. It was a learning experience for all of us. Unfortunately, Violet was the collateral damage.

At home, I helped Faith get her things in her room. Then I texted Violet.

You want to come over?

I’m at Cole and Daphne’s. Leaving now but I’m beat.

Maybe we can get together later this weekend?

I have to work, but I can do something in the evenings.

I’ll think of something we can do.

Maybe ice skating. Or something holiday related.

I watched a movie with Faith, then tucked her into bed. Even though it wasn’t the best situation, I was grateful I got to spend time with her. I cherished these small moments. I’d missed so many tuck-ins and breakfasts.

I wondered if I was making the right decision when it came to visitation. But if I knew anything from work, it was that consistency was key.

When I settled on my bed, I wanted to talk to Violet.

You still up?

I didn’t want to bother her if she was sleeping, but I needed to talk to someone about this who wasn’t Stacy.

Just got in bed.

Can I call you?

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