Page 89 of Chasing Fireflies

“I’m sorry I’ve been MIA.”

“I’m not complaining.” I grin playfully.

“You love spending time with our Little Miss?”

“Of course, she’s my new sports buddy.”

“You better not turn her into a tomboy.”

“I’m not making any promises,” I tell her. Sara smiles and then sighs as she looks toward the muted TV. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. I think I was just worn out. I know it’s been a few weeks since we left the hospital, but it just took a lot out of me. Thank you for being so supportive.”

“I’m just taking care of my family, Sara.”

“I know, but you really go above and beyond. I’m a lucky girl.”

“You are.” I wink.

*

We sit outside on the porch swing while Ellie sits in her own little swing. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at Bear who stares back at her. He won’t get too close just yet, but he is always near, making sure Little Miss is safe. I put my arm around Sara and kick off the porch.

“Do you think she is going to look like you or me?” Sara asks me. “It’s just too early to tell right now.”

“Hopefully you. She has your eyes already and your blonde hair.”

“Yeah, but her hair could darken.”

“True.”

“I wonder what kind of personality she is going to have. What she is going to like to do and what she will think is funny.”

“Me, too,” I say, looking over at Ellie. She does nothing but lie there, swinging and watching everything, but it’s the most entertained I’ve been in a while. “I could watch her all day.”

“I could, too,” Sara says, laying her head on my shoulder. I link my fingers with hers and bring her hand to my lips, kissing it lightly before resting it back on my leg.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she says, giving me a smile.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Five Years Later

Cash

Fog rolls past the trees and sweeps across the street. Early birds wake and deer run wild through the woods, while the road winds and my feet hit the pavement. The sun lightens the sky, but hasn’t shown yet. Sweat slides down the side of my face, and my thigh muscles ache as I make it into town. Bear stayed home, sleeping beside Ellie’s bed so it’s just me out here this morning. Sara stayed up all night and finally laid down as I was lacing up my shoes. Her eyes were closed when I left, so I’m hoping she’ll be ready for Little Miss’ birthday party this afternoon.

I stop running once I get closer to Chevy’s, and I stretch before I walk in the door and feel the air conditioner.

“Morning, chief,” Piper greets me, setting down a glass of water as I slide onto a stool.

“Morning.”

“Where’s Bear?” she asks.

“Can’t get him to come with me anymore. He stays with Little Miss.”

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