Page 54 of Siccitas

That stab was aimed directly at my heart.

I give him a sad smile. “I do. Skylar, would you like that?”

“Yes,” she says with a mischievous grin. “I have a tea set we can play with.”

“Yes, it was your mommy’s before.”

The table falls silent, and I carry on eating.

Once we’re done, the kids clear the table and Luke takes my hand. “If you try anything, I will punish Skylar. Not you.”

He stares at me, and when I meet his gaze I nod, fearfully.

He lets go of my hand, gets up and leaves.

“Richter said he’ll finish the dishes,” Skylar says. “So, we can go play. I’ll meet you outside.”

“I’ll get a blanket,” I say quietly.

I hobble to the linen closet and get a checkered blanket out. Perfect for a tea party.

I carry it outside and spread it out before I sit down on it.

Skylar comes out carrying Darby’s tea set, and a lump forms in my throat.

“You can pour,” she says, looking at me with those Greene eyes.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Igently tuck Skylarinto her bed.

“Thank you for having a tea party with me,” she says quietly, almost whispering.

“Thank you,” I whisper back. “Skylar, I know where your mommy is now.”

“You do?” she whispers excitedly. “Is she coming back?”

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