Page 39 of The Manny

“I like your dress.”

“Do you?” Mia asked, fingering the ruffles.

“I do. It’s very pretty.”

“You’re pretty. You’re like a fairy princess.”

Laughing, Barb ruffled Mia’s hair. “You’re sweet.”

Mia looked up at Barb, her expression very serious. “My mommy bought me this dress. But she’s dead now.”

Oh, God.

I winced, squeezing Mia’s shoulder, but not sure what to say.

Obvious shock washed over Barb’s face. “I’m… I’m so sorry, Mia.”

Mia’s bottom lip quivered. “I miss her.”

“Of course you do,” Barb said gently.

I grimaced. “I’m sorry. Mia is still grieving.”

“I would think so,” Barb said.

“You have the same hair as Mommy,” Mia whispered.

“Do I, sweetie?” Touching her own hair, Barb’s eyes warmed. She set Percy on the ground, and knelt next to Mia. My heart almost broke when Mia moved to hug Barb. Thank God Barb’s instincts were kind. She wrapped her arms around the little girl and hugged her close. When Mia started crying, Barb looked flustered, but she held on tight. “It’s okay, Mia.” She kissed Mia’s hair, looking like she was about to cry too. “I’m sorry, little one.”

“I don’t know why she can’t come back,” Mia whimpered.

Well, uh…” Barb grimaced.

Aiden looked nonplussed. He stood with his hand on Percy’s shoulder, shifting uneasily.

We were far enough away from the main party, that most of the guests weren’t paying any attention to what was happening. I was glad we weren’t drawing too much attention because, while I didn’t want to ruin the party, I didn’t have the heart to drag Mia from Barb’s arms either.

My chest squeezed when Percy moved over to Mia. He hugged her and said, “It’s okay, Mia. You can share my mommy.”

Barb gave a little gulp and tugged her son closer too. The three of them stayed like that for a few minutes. I felt sorry for Barb’s legs, holding that crouching position in heels couldn’t have been easy.

When Mia finally let go of Barb, Percy patted her head. “You’ll be okay, Mia,” he said.

“I miss hugging my mommy,” Mia whispered.

“I know.” Percy nodded, looking wise beyond his years.

Aiden helped Barb up, his face flushed. “Um… should we sing happy birthday now?”

“I guess?” Running a shaky hand over her hair, Barb gave an unsteady laugh.

Percy took Mia’s hand. “You can help me blow out the candles, Mia.”

“Really?” Mia wiped at her eyes.

“Yep.” Percy nodded.

I met Barb’s gaze. “Thank you for being sweet to her,” I said softly.

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