Page 74 of That First Flight

Speechless.

Blinking down at her small frame.

“You don’t think… I mean, you don’t feel like you’re to blame do you?”

“I used to,” she says without missing a beat. “I used to hear the little comments Grandma and Grandpa would say but I know that Mom wouldn’t trade me for the world. The same way I wouldn’t trade having her as my mom for anything. I love her so, so much.”

There goes my heart.

“You know… you really are too smart for your age.”

She lets out an amused laugh. “So I’ve been told.”

For the next fifteen minutes, we silently eat the cookies, clean up and still have a few leftovers for Macey for when she gets home.

My mind doesn’t stop thinking about all the things these two have been through, along with all the things I want to do for these girls.

I don’t just want Macey.

I want Mackenzie to be a part of my life too.

I want everything that comes with them both because no matter how much money I have in the world or how many places I’ve traveled to, nothing could ever compare to being right here, right now with my girls.

“Hey, Kenzie?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t ever want to see your mom hurt either. I hope you know that.”

She smiles up at me. “I can tell.”

Oliver offering to take care of Mackenzie, despite my reluctance, is the best thing that could have happened. Being with these girls tonight is exactly what my heart needs.

I can’t think of a single time that I’ve felt completely comfortable with a group of girls before. I had friends back in Montana, but the more I get to know these girls, the more I feel like that was never genuine or real. Like much of my life, it seems.

I’ve spent so little time with them, but feel connected on a level that I can’t quite explain. Maybe it’s the fact that we text all day, every day. But from the first night I met them until now, they’ve welcomed me with open arms.

Then Emiline sat with me during her busy shift and held my hand as if we’ve been friends forever. Staying at my side did nothing to benefit her, but she still did because she cared.

I was so damn used to people using me until they didn't need me.

These girls are not that.

“I think it’s time for a round of tequila shots to celebrate Mackenzie feeling better, Emiline passing her big test last week, Macey getting her new job and the five of us finally fucking being able to get together!” Avery cheers.

“I’m so down for that,” Emiline says.

Shit.

Every muscle in my body tightens hearing the girls talk about taking shots. Fear creeps in that the group of friends I finally have, one that I’ve craved for so long, are about to judge me for not drinking. It makes me wonder if they won’t want me around after today.

“Oh, none for me guys.” I wave my hands. “I actually don’t drink.”

“Really?” Peyton asks. “Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean for that to come out as judgmental as it did.”

I relax my shoulders. “I take no offense. I’m used to it if I’m being honest.”

“Can we ask why?” Em reluctantly questions.

---