Page 95 of Just My Fake Husband

“Not over.” She reaches out to place a hand on my knee. I warm to her touch. “The thing is, it might be nice for you and your dad to have some space. I’m not saying do or don’t continue to have a relationship with him. It’s been a long day, though. There’s plenty of time to decide what’s next.”

“I think you’re right.” I am worried about her after all that just took place, though. “You still feeling up to bringing Skye home for a visit?”

“I think so. I wonder how she’ll do being out in the world again.”

“I have a feeling she’ll love the cottage.” I back the Bronco out of my spot in the parking garage and begin driving to Caring Souls.

Oliver was right: I was the one. The only one who had cracked our father’s code. I spent my whole life in that identity. It was my purpose. The only thing I wanted. Now? The only thing I want is my own approval of my own life.

And to explore that life with River.

I grasp her hand and look over at her. “Now everyone knows. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

“We didn’t commit a crime. We just chose to marry in a way that most people don’t. So what?”

“How are you so calm?” I ask her.

“Because all this craziness has helped me see everything differently.” She catches my gaze. “Everything.”

It’s not until Skye is settled in the back seat that I see the T-shirt she’s wearing.

“Don’t Dis My Ability,” I read. “That’s an awesome T-shirt, Skye.”

She cocks her chin up. “I know.”

River chuckles. The looseness in my lungs gives way to a laugh I can’t curb. “Are you excited to see Lunch Lady Liz?” I ask.

Skye gathers both hands to her chest. “My puppy,” she says with an exaggerated pout.

As we’re leaving Tollark city limits and entering that wide-open, country space before Longdale, my mom calls.

I punch the call through to the wireless system in my car, saying hello and telling her she’s on speaker with River and Skye.

“Hi, Mom!” River says, and Skye quickly follows suit, dissolving in giggles of pure happiness.

“Hi, everyone!” Even my mom’s voice sounds more relaxed than before. “Gabriel, we have much to discuss, but we can save that for another time,” Mom says. “I’m planning a family Halloween party and wanted to see if you all were available? We can do it the night of or the weekend before?”

“Halloween’s more than a month away,” I say.

“With the size of family that we have, I have to start nailing down a date. And we want to have it in your area. I know we had it at our place last year, but we’d love for Skye to be there and so we’ll have it wherever’s best for her.”

I glance at River to see her looking at me with a mixture of happiness and amazement. “That would be great,” I say.

“Maybe we can even do it in the courtyard of Caring Souls, if that’s allowed,” Mom adds.

“I’ll reach out to them and ask,” River says. “I appreciate it.”

“We wouldn’t dream of having it any other way.” Mom hesitates before ending the call. “I know this has been an unconventional situation but, I’m hoping . . . I’m hoping there can be healing for everyone involved.”

Who knows what things with my father will end up looking like. But the difference now is that I finally have hope. And I’m not locked into the idea of an either or, do or die. I might be able to have more than I ever allowed myself to dream of.

The first thing Skye says when she enters the cottage is “Bougie,” as she looks around the great room, followed by a love fest cuddling session with Lunch Lady Liz. River is watching her carefully. She’s content, but it’s lined with a dash of apprehension.

She pulls me aside, clasping my hand in hers and escorting me to the mudroom. “There’s so much more to say and do I hardly know where to start.”

“Let’s start with something practical, then. Your car is ready for pick up.”

“Hallelujah! I can get myself around now, finally.”

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