Page 48 of Keepsake

“They say children deal differently with…” I cleared my throat, “change.” I chose instead of grief.

She nodded. “Sometimes kids need a little reassurance after a traumatic event. That means he might step away from tasks he previously knew how to do on his own.”

Not just talking. She meant feeding himself, walking around, things like that. He was acting younger than his age because he needed someone to take care of him.

The doctor noticed my eyes filling up with tears, because she quickly added, “Lachlan is healthy and developing well. You don’t need to worry. He would benefit from coming over, though.”

Bobbing my head up and down before she ever finished, I agreed. “Of course. He looks happy. Doesn’t he look happy?”

If she could tell by my tone that I knew nothing about parenting, she didn’t let it show. Soon, Lachlan finished his game and Dr. Maya was saying goodbye to us.

Lachlan was quiet as we left the office, quiet when I brought him grocery shopping.

I tried to talk to him, blabbing to see if I got at least one nod like Dr. Maya got so easily.

He gave me nothing.

I still talked as we made our way to Lone Pine to pick up Dashiell and Vienna and tried to ask him questions, even while his sister talked over everyone.

I’d keep trying. Didn’t matter how many times Dashiell scowled at me like I personally offended him by being kind to a toddler.

My hands firmly on the wheel, I drove them back home and started with dinner the second we were all settled. Took convincing, but Dash changed from his uniform, and I kept going. Talking, cooking, and making a list of the toys I saw at Dr. Maya’s office so I could buy them for Lachlan.

“I think I’m adding a little bit more garlic,” I told him.

On the stove, I was mixing marinara sauce as he sat on the floor playing with a small truck. I was taking full advantage of the fact that Dashiell and Vienna were both having showers, and I could have Lachlan a little longer.

“Do you like garlic?” He didn’t reply, but he looked at me. “Of course you do. Oh garlic bread.”

I twirled to the freezer and grabbed a baguette, turning the oven on.

“Garlic bread is just one of those things you have to like. It is the best. This one has cheese too, just so you know. You can’t go wrong with that. I’m making chicken parmigiana. Do you know what that is?”

“If he answers, I’m shitting my pants.”

I stopped in my spot, turning slowly toward the voice with the frozen baguette still in my hands. Alvaro was at the door, his hand stretched high as he held himself by the fingertips on the molding.

“Put the weapon down, Jefa.” He nodded to the baguette.

I rolled my eyes and put the baguette on the counter, pretending I didn’t see that when he reached up his T-shirt rose a little, showing a sliver of skin.

Very tattooed skin.

Shaking my head, I smoothed my hands over my clothes. “I’m making dinner.”

He moved from the door. Crouching over to Lachlan, he took his truck and played a little, pretending he was going to roll over his toes. Lachlan curled his cute baby toes to escape, and when that didn’t work, he… giggled.

I inhaled sharply, the sound of his giggle enough to make me stop in my tracks. I threw myself on the floor beside Alvaro.

“Do it again,” I urged, my hand clutching to his arm.

His eyebrows furrowed, but he did it. He even added a little truck noise with his mouth.

Lachlan giggled again.

It took my whole heart. Just there. That kid destroyed me with a giggle.

“Breathe, Logan.”

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