Page 96 of Stolen Dreams

And I owe it all to Kaya.

I may have been hesitant to leave the house, but I’m grateful we did. Kaya is right. Tucker and I need to get out and live. Existing in the constant state ofwhat-ifonly ends in regret and missed opportunity. I don’t want that for me or Tucker.

Dad stops by the table and chats with us for a few minutes. He tells Tucker about the new bikes he and Mom bought. “We need to test them out, make sure they’re good. Want to go biking after cooking class tomorrow?”

Tucker’s gaze shoots to mine, a hopeful look in his eyes. “Can I go?”

“Of course, bud.” I trust Tucker will be safe with my parents.

Dad ruffles Tucker’s hair. “I’ll let Grandma know.”

“Yes!” Tucker pumps his fist in the air.

“What else are you up to today?” Dad aims the question in my direction.

“Not sure,” I answer honestly.

The lightness in my veins has me eager to do something. To go out, have fun, and see Tucker smile and laugh more. He is my sunshine, my brilliant ray of hope, my light in the dark. He deserves the world, and I want to give it to him.

And it’s in this moment I decide I am done letting Brianna control my emotions, my fears, my life. It’s time to be brave, put my foot down, and say no to her. No more living in a constant state of panic. No more giving up my happiness for an insignificant person. No more letting her dictate my future.

Tucker is mine. My life is mine. And I’m taking both back.

“We haven’t gone bowling in forever.” Tucker exaggerates the last word.

Kaya, Dad, and I laugh at his dramatics. But damn, I wouldn’t want my little man any other way.

“True.” I plant my forearms on the table and lean in Tucker’s direction. “Can I use the bumpers?”

Tucker rolls his eyes. “No. They’re only for kids.”

“What if I’m a kid at heart?”

He sips his root beer float. “It doesn’t count.”

“Fine,” I huff out. “No bumpers.”

He pushes his drink away. “So we can go?” The hope in his eyes is all I need to see to answer him.

“Yeah, bud, we can go bowling.”

Tucker wiggles in his seat. “Woo-hoo!”

That right there is all I need—my happy little man.

“It’s a miracle,” Kaya declares, hands on either side of her head.

“What?” I sit next to her as we watch Tucker approach the foul line.

“I found something you’re not perfect at.”

Glancing at her, I arch a brow. “It’s been a while. I’m still warming up.”

She tucks her lips between her teeth and fights a smile. “Hmm. Okay.”

Tucker hollers, “Yes!” Then, he’s in front of us doing a celebratory dance. Eight frames in, he’s gotten two strikes and two spares. And he’s winning.

I hold up my hand for a high five. “Great job, T-Man. Showing everyone who’s boss.”

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