Page 98 of Mr. Broody

“Yeah, bud, that’s an expensive camera.”

“You don’t want to hurt yourself by falling on the camera.” Jade opens her arms, and Bodhi gets down on his knees next to her.

She wraps her arms around his back and helps him hold the camera while he shows her the pictures he took. That’s what he wants. What he’s experiencing right now with her. I hope she can see there’s a spot for her in our lives. Our only expectation is that she loves us, and Jade knows how to love. If she didn’t, I’d never have yearned for her for as long as I have. I just need her to come to that realization herself, which I hope, over time, she will.

Forty-One

Bodhi

I had so much fun with Jade on Sunday when she showed me how to take pictures. I think she must have had fun with me, too, because it’s only two days later, and she came to hang out with me again.

“I’m going to say good night to Jade, so stay here, okay?” Daddy says.

Jade bends over and opens her arms. “Good night, Bodhi. I had a lot of fun with you today.”

“Me too.” I squeeze her tightly. I wish she didn’t always have to leave. “When will I see you again?”

“In two days for Thanksgiving dinner.”

We stop hugging although I don’t want to. I want her to stay and read me a bedtime story.

“Oh.”

She smiles at me. I love it when she smiles at me. It makes me feel really happy. “Waylon and Owen will be there.”

“Okay.”

“Go get changed for bed. I’ll be right back.” Daddy opens the door.

“Okay.”

“Sweet dreams,” Jade says, waving as she leaves.

“You know the rules,” Daddy says.

Anytime he has to run upstairs to Rowan’s or Tweetie’s, I’m never to answer the door or leave our apartment.

I nod and walk to my room, hearing the door lock behind Daddy and Jade. I pull out my pajamas and change into them really quick, then go over to the front windows.

I tuck myself behind the curtain so I can watch Daddy and Jade. They’re at the curb in front of a car parked where Mack goes when he gets me for school. But it’s not Mack.

Daddy puts his hand on Jade’s cheek and pulls her closer to him.

And they kiss.

Oh my gosh.

It worked!

Jade is going to be my mommy!

Daddy says something to Jade, and he opens the door for her to get in.

He waits until her car turns at the light and walks back toward the building.

I run to the bathroom and grab my toothbrush, pretending I was brushing my teeth the whole time.

Daddy peeks his head in my bathroom and pulls out his phone, messaging someone. “Hey, bud, let’s get you to bed. It’s late.”

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