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“That’s sounds really great. I’m sorry if this is taking away from your work.” The last thing I want is to be a burden when we’re so new. I don’t want to scare him off.

“I own my own business, babe. I can do what I want. I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t positive I wanted to do that. I’ll see you ladies in a bit.”

We hang up and I head over to my mom’s to get Annie.

***

“Push me hiwer, Siwas!” Annie squeals as Silas pushes her on the swing. I sit on the one next to them, smiling as Annie’s laughter fills the air.

Silas has spoiled us today. As soon as we got to his place, we put the booster seats for both girls in his Cayenne and went out for breakfast. He and Annie ordered gigantic stacks of chocolate chip pancakes smothered in chocolate syrup and whipped cream. I took a picture of them sitting side by side, both with chocolate-covered lips.

We went to the park to let her run off some of that sugar before we took her to the library for story time. The Phoebe Buffay girl flirted shamelessly with Silas after story time was over. He laughed every time I gave her a disgruntled look.

During arts and crafts, we helped Annie make a flower pot for her mom. We went to get Bridgette, and since they had an early departure time, we took the girls to lunch. Bridgette asked about her mom, and I wasn’t sure what to tell her. “She was taking a nap earlier,” I said. “Your daddy is taking care of her.”

“Mommy was crying in the bathroom while she was sitting on the toilet. I think she had a tummy ache,” Bridgette said as we waited for our food.

I sucked in a breath and felt Silas grab my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “She did, baby, but she’ll be okay.”

Now we’re back at the park, letting them burn off some more energy and get some fresh air. The hope is that they’ll sleep well. I’ve texted Keith a few times, but haven’t gotten a response back. I’m not worried though—I know they’re doing their grieving now. That way, when the girls get home they’ll be able to focus on them.

While Silas pushes Annie, my eyes follow Bridgette as she runs around to the stairs of the slide. When she gets to the top, she waves at me before sliding down. She does it several more times before she comes running over to the swings. I get up so Bridgette can sit down and then I begin pushing her.

I feel Silas’s eyes on me and turn to look at him. His aviators keep me from seeing his eyes, but I love the smile on his face, and I return it.

It’s seven o’clock when Keith texts me to drop the girls off. When we pull into the driveway, the living room light is on and the front door is open. I help Bridgette out, and Silas picks up Annie, who’s passed out, leaning her against his shoulder. My brother opens the screen door, and when we step inside, Beth gives me a sad smile from where she’s curled up on the sofa.

Silas hands Annie over to her dad, and he takes her to Beth, who hugs the sleeping girl to her chest. Bridgette climbs on the sofa and snuggles into her momma’s side. I don’t miss the tears in her eyes as she loves on both the girls.

I give her a quick kiss before we take our leave. Keith follows us out. “I appreciate you guys keeping them all day.” He tries to hand Silas money for all the food we fed them, but he refuses to take it.

“Seriously, man, it was my pleasure. You’ve got some great kids.”

Keith nods, before surprising me and giving Silas one of those handshake, back-slap dude combos. Silas says something to him, but I can’t make it out, and my brother just nods and claps him on the shoulder.

He pulls me into a bear hug. “Thanks for being the best auntie those girls could ask for.”

“Call me if you need me to take the girls at all this week to help out.” He promises to do that, and Silas and I leave.

Conversation is nonexistent as I stare out the window, watching the scenery pass by. He grabs my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing the back of it. I’m exhausted after all of that and can’t wait to just go to bed.

Before long we pull into the parking garage and I take his hand when he comes around to greet me. Hugging his arm, I sigh and then yawn loudly. When he lets us inside his place, I head upstairs to change into my pajamas.

In the bathroom, I lean against the counter after I change into my nightgown. My eyes burn as my heart aches. I have no clue what Beth and Keith are going through, but I know it’s not fair. They’re wonderful parents, and any child should be so lucky to have them for parents. Without a second thought, I kick Silas’s garbage can. It crashes loudly into the wall.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I find Silas in the doorway. “Are you okay?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m not okay. This is bullshit. Why the fuck did this have to happen to them, not once, but twice? It’s not fair.”

I close my eyes and will the burning to stop. His arms wrap around me, and I rest my cheek against his chest. “I know it’s not. I’m so sorry, baby.”

He picks me up in his arms and carries me into his bedroom. With me in his arms, he climbs on the bed, laying me down on my side. Silas kisses my neck. “I’ll be right back.” I stare out the window. The night’s so clear that I can see the stars twinkling outside.

Silas climbs into bed after turning the lights out. He pulls me into his arms, and I drape myself over him. He rolls a little until he’s practically lying on me, but it makes me feel safe, comforted.

Long after he falls asleep, I’m still wide awake.

Chapter Seventeen

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