Page 108 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“Jo? What’s going on?” Carter asked.

“Nothing. At least I don’t think it’s anything.”

“Mac, why don’t you get your backpack ready for the bakery? I’m sure Grandma’s in a mood for coloring today.” Carter pointed to Mackenzie’s crafts table.

Marge had partly retired to help me raise Mackenzie while I took care of most of the business. We also hired two bakers last year and the online expansion had made the bakeries quite profitable. While she packed a few of her trinkets, crayons, and coloring books, Carter came up to me.

“You’re pale.” He pulled his hand along my cheek.

“That stone Mackenzie found on the front porch.” I pointed, my finger still shaking. “It’s the one I gave Nick for his thirteenth birthday.”

“I remember that day. He baked you a cake.”

“Yes! Carter, I swear to you, it’s the same one. I haven’t seen it in years.”

“I believe you. Do you think it’s possible Mackenzie found it at Marge’s house? Maybe Nick hid it somewhere in his room and she got it?”

“It’s possible. But why would she say she found it on the porch?”

“I don’t know. Kids like to make up stories sometimes, or they just get confused.”

“You’re right. She must have found it in his room. It’s the only reasonable explanation.”

“Come here. Have a seat for a moment.” He pulled out a chair and I sat down.

“I just wish there was a day that something didn’t remind me of him, you know. I thought time heals all wounds and crap, and sometimes it just feels like it’s getting harder and harder.”

I knew that not being reminded of Nick was impossible. Even if it were, I would never want to forget him, but I did wish that it were easier. Besides, despite being a mini me, Mackenzie was a constant reminder of her father.

“You’re doing much better than before, Cupcake. I know it’s not easy, Jo, but you have to stay strong for Mac.” We both looked at my daughter, who was zipping up her backpack. “Look how organized she is. Just like her mommy.”

She was the heart of everything I did. She was the reason that I was still alive, because if it weren’t for her and for Carter, I would have been gone the moment I opened that door when the officer came with the news of Nick’s death.

“You’re right. She must have found it in his room.”

“You better get going if you’re gonna make it on time.” He looked at his watch.

“Thank you for the coffee, and for breakfast.”

“Which you didn’t touch.”

“Coffee is my breakfast” I said with a wink. “See you soon.”

He took Mackenzie in his arms and carried her to my car while teasing her about there being more sharks in the pool. She giggled, because it was a game they’d been playing ever since she first jumped into that pool. I loved the bond between them.

When I pulled up to the bakery, a familiar aroma of pastries and fresh breads filled the air. A swirl of emotions from the past lingered with the scent — it always would. I opened Mackenzie’s door, and she ran to her waiting grandfather.

“Good morning, munchkin. What did you bring for me today?”

“A rock.”

“A rock? Well, then it must be special.”

“It has the letter N on it. Daddy’s name was Nick. The rock is special.”

My father looked from his granddaughter to me and then back to her.

“What is she talking about?” Marge asked.

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