Page 20 of Keepsake

“Dash, is that what you want?” He addressed his nephew, ignoring his mother’s sharp look.

Dashiell confirmed. “We don’t want to go to that school anymore.”

Alvaro nodded and turned to me. “Maybe you can have a look at schools—”

“I have a list of public and private schools close to my house.”

“Of course you do,” Alvaro said, and I could swear I saw a twitch on his lip.

“This is insane. They don’t know…”

“Maybe the kids need a fresh start.” My voice was low, but once they all paid attention to me, I continued a little stronger. “This is new for everyone, but maybe they need… time.”

Caridad’s eyes flew to Dash, and he nodded. “It would be nice not to be in that school anymore.” He moved uncomfortably in his seat. “Everyone knows us there.”

“It doesn’t need to be permanent. It doesn’t need to be full time,” I added.

My face was hot from them all watching me, but I couldn’t do anything but hope. I wanted them with me, and they wanted to go. Why couldn’t we just try?

Sofia wanted them with me.

I was sure fighting her family was the wrong move here, but how long could I bend backwards to satisfy Caridad? I’d do it gladly if there was any indication she wanted to be reasonable. But I knew, right in my core, she would never be on my side.

“I think the kids should go visit a couple of schools,” Alvaro started.

“It’s in the middle of the school year.” Caridad was already shaking her head.

“Logan is our legal guardian, and we want to go.” Dash stood up, Lachlan in his arms. “Let’s go, Vi.”

Vienna stood up right away and followed her big brother out of the kitchen.

None of the adults said a word as the kids left. I glanced at Caridad, expecting to see a murderous expression, but instead what I found was a grandmother with a broken heart.

I blew out a breath. Shaking myself I leaned over the table, looking directly in her eyes. “I don’t want to fight. Please.”

She didn’t look at me, instead her eyes were trained on the place her grandchildren had disappeared to. She then turned to me, something wild going through her face.

“They can go with you.” She nodded, her eyes on mine. “But Alvaro goes, too.”

Silence stretched. Under furrowed eyebrows I stared at her, trying to understand what she just said.

“Sorry?” I spoke up when it was obvious she wasn’t going to give me anything.

Dipping her chin, she avoided our glances and focused on her husband. “Alvaro lives in Chicago, too. It’s not unreasonable to expect he’s invited to the kids’ life.”

I breathed out slowly, relieved, “Of course. Alvaro can visit them—”

“No.” And she pinned me with a look. “Alvaro goes where the kids go. He stays with you or none of them do.”

I blinked, trying my best not to point out she wasn’t in the position to demand anything. Before I could open my mouth to protest, though, the other person involved decided to speak up.

“Mamá.” He shook his head. “I have a business. I—”

“No one said you need to stay with them the whole time. The kids have school. And Logan surely will be back at her job as soon as she can.”

I hated that comment. I hated that she used it to make me feel less about having a career. She barely knew me after all. The teenage girl she met was full of dreams, the woman in front of her was full of accomplishments. I wasn’t going to say sorry for having achieved my goals.

“I’m actually taking a leave of absence. I asked my boss. She knows the situation here. I want to be flexible and have time until they adapt.”

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