Page 2 of Take Me to the Valley

“I think she'd love that,” I say as I watch Axel pull Emelie into a hug and to kiss the top of her head.

While I won't ever admit it out loud, I want that. I want a mom for Skye, and I want to come home to this house to my sweetheart, and build a life together. Who knows, maybe it can still happen, but right now I have to build my life as it is.

“Oh, I meant to tell you. I saw Skye's mom on a commercial the other day for some insomnia drug. She's hitting the big time now, huh?” Cody laughs.

Skye's mother signed over her rights, got clearance from her doctor and went to Hollywood so fast it made my head spin. She’s had a few small parts on some soap shows and now this commercial. Seven years in and she still hasn’t had that big break. Nothing worth showing Skye, anyway.

We haven't heard from her, and I prefer it that way. Skye doesn't ask about her much, but I try to keep it positive. She knows her mom is an actress in Hollywood and just couldn't be a mommy. Hopefully, she understood.

Though I know someday, she will have more questions, and I dread that day. Thankfully, that isn't today.

“Keep that to yourself. Skye isn't asking questions about her mom, and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible.”

“She will someday, though,” he says.

“Then I'll pull up her Wikipedia page and explain it all.”

“What are you two gossiping about?” Storm asks.

“Someone we knew growing up. Nothing important,” Cody covers for me.

He might give me shit, but he has my back at every turn and for that I'm grateful.

“Thank fuck!!” Storm says. “I’m just far enough away from where I grew up to not run into anyone I know, unless I want too. Now, I'm taking off to get home to my wife and son. Let me know when the appliances get here and I'll come help you get them up the mountain and installed.”

I nod and he says goodbye to everyone else and heads out. Not long after, everyone else begins to leave, and before I know it, it'sjust me and Skye. Her eyes are starting to droop as she sits on the couch leaning on me.

“Okay, Princess. It's time to get ready for bed. It's been a long day, and there is more unpacking to do tomorrow,” I say. Then I scoop her up in my arms as dramatically as I can and toss her over my shoulder, which causes her to giggle.

We run through her bedtime routine and once she is in bed, it’s obvious something is on her mind.

“What in going though that head of yours,” I ask.

“Will you sleep with me, Daddy, just tonight?”

I know it's a new house with new sounds and shadows. No wonder she’s a little nervous and scared.

“How about I lie with you until you fall asleep? If you wake up and are scared, you can get in bed with me.”

She nods, handing me the princess book she has me reading to her each night. Before I’m even halfway, Skye is fast asleep. Soaking in the moment, I watch my child sleep so peacefully, and I stay a little longer.

I let the enjoyment of the first night in our new home and the start of life I want for her and for myself seep into me.

It’s understandable why Skye is scared. I am too in a different way, though it's the fear that comes with excitement to start a new journey.

I can't wait to see what the future brings.

Though I just wish it had given me some warning.

Chapter 2

Calista

I'm less than an hour from my childhood home and almost twelve hours into my trip today, and I'm starting to question everything.

When my brother called and found out I was between jobs, it should have been a warning sign, but I didn't listen. He convinced me to come home and help with the distillery that my four brothers started because it was doing so well.

It wasn't until after I agreed and had my moving truck loaded and on the way to Whiskey River, did they mention they needed help with Dad, too. His health was declining faster than Mom let on, and she can't do it all herself.

---