Page 54 of When Stars Fall

“I’d hate her.” There’s no hesitation in my response. “As a kid, I would have hated her. But as an adult, I would understand. A few days ago you were against me telling him at all.”

“I’ve had some conversations with Haven that made me realize my stance was naive. She is determined to know him.” Nikki rubs her forehead. “If you wait too long, it’ll be too late. He’s here. She knows. You never wanted her to wonder about her father, so you’ve been honest. That seemed like a good plan, but it complicates things.”

She has a point about trying to keep my feelings for Wyatt in check. It’s possible for him to have a relationship with Haven and for me not to be part of the equation. At least she’ll get her dad, and I’ll maintain the perspective I’ll need if he relapses.

“If you don’t tell him, you’ll lose Haven’s respect.” Nikki puts the lids back on some of the takeout containers on the counter. “She’s a dog with a bone when she gets an idea in her head. I’m surprised she hasn’t told him herself.”

Gathering my hair into a ponytail, I secure it with the elastic around my wrist. “I’ll figure it out.”

“I love you, Ellie. So much.” She turns to draw me into a hug.

“Can Haven stay with you tonight?”

“Are you going to tell him?” Nikki freezes for a beat before stepping back.

“I don’t know. Maybe. I have a couple more questions before I’m sure that now is the best time. You’re right, though. I need to do it.”

She leaves me to go into the living room, and I take a few deep breaths before following her. This feels like a plan. Tell him, but make sure he understands he can’t have me too. Assuming he even still wants me. There’s a chance he’ll never forgive me for keeping Haven a secret.

I enter the open dining and living room area and take in Wyatt and Haven playing cards at the kitchen table. “You’re not teaching her how to cheat at cards, are you?”

“Uh, that would be wrong, right?” Wyatt gives me a sheepish grin.

“Watch,” Haven says and then motions for Wyatt to pass her the cards. Haven does a complicated shuffle that shouldn’t be possible for a nine-year-old. Wyatt’s watching her with something that looks like pride. She deals the cards and then stares at Wyatt.

He’s teaching her how to play poker.Wonderful.

“Okay.” I make a throat-slitting gesture behind Haven’s back, directed at Wyatt. “That’s it for tonight.”

“We need to get going, Haven,” Nikki says.

Haven throws her cards into the center of the table and runs to hug me. I sweep her into an embrace and whisper the details in her ear. When she steps back, there’s protest written on her face. Nikki must cue her over my shoulder because, other than a frown, Haven doesn’t say anything.

Spinning on her heel, she races to Wyatt and throws herself at him. He catches her without missing a beat, as though they’ve been doing the move for years. He hoists her up in his arms and grins at her.

“Will I see you tomorrow, Short Stuff?” he asks.

“I don’t know.” Haven stays focused on him.

“W-e-e-e-l-l . . .” Wyatt drags out the word. “If not, I’ll miss you. But I’m happy I got a chance to meet you.”

“I hope I see you again really soon.” She puts her hand on the side of his face and stares at him.

“Me too, Short Stuff. Me too.” He sets her down, and she runs around the house collecting her things from after school. Wyatt watches her with amusement. “She’s a tiny tornado,” he says.

“That’s an excellent description.” Nikki’s smile is strained.

Haven hands Nikki her backpack and then tackles Wyatt one more time. He gives her another hug and then sets her on her feet. At the side entrance, I give my sister one last squeeze, a wordless thank you. Once they’re in the car, I close the door and lean against it, reluctant to venture into the living room to face Wyatt.

He wanders into the kitchen with the rest of the plates and dishes, but I can’t tear my focus from the floor. Without saying a word, he loads the dishwasher and begins tidying up.

“You don’t have any help?” Wyatt sticks the last dish in and closes it.

“No. Well, sometimes. If I’m having a party or function, I’ll get the place cleaned by someone else.” Dread is pooling in my stomach at the thought of what I’m about to do.

“You planning on staying here tonight?”

“Where else would I go?”

---