Page 42 of Come Back for Me
“You’re cheating.”
“Me? Cheating?” He sounds shocked, but I can tell he’s kidding.
“Yes, because I beat you three times in a row.”
I lie here, still trying to wake up as I listen to them.
“I think it’s you who’s cheating, Hadley.”
I hear her soft little sigh. “You’re just a bad fisher. But you’re my favorite hero.”
He laughs, and my smile is automatic. “I’m glad I’m your favorite. You’re my favorite seven-year-old who cheats at Go Fish.”
“I’m going to miss you,” she says with wistfulness in her voice.
“Miss me? Why? Are you going somewhere?”
I slowly lift myself to the edge of the bed, not knowing where this conversation is going and needing to listen.
“Mommy and I were going to run away that night, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again when we go.” Her voice breaks at the end, shattering my heart with it.
This is her home. It’s the only place she’s ever known, and while her protection is paramount, so is her security. I need to repair any damage done.
First, is going back to that house and doing what I can to set it to rights.
I need her to see that we’re okay, and I’m strong. I’m still scared to go there. Even with Kevin in jail, that house is filled with things I want to forget. Still, I want to give Hadley the courage to face things that scare her and prove she can endure.
“Well, if that does happen, we’re going to have to find a way to stay in touch.”
“But I don’t have a phone.”
“True, but you know where I live.”
Hadley pauses, and I carefully make my way to the door, watching the two of them. Connor and Hadley are sitting on the floor at opposite corners of the coffee table with the cards between them. My world shines a bit brighter just watching them.
I don’t know that I have any memories of Kevin ever doing something as simple as this. While I was sleeping, the two of them have been spending time together, bonding in a way that brings tears to my eyes.
“What if you move?”
“Well, I’m only staying here for six months, but I’ll make sure your mom knows how to get in touch with me.”
“You promise?”
He lifts his hand in some sort of salute. “I sure do.”
Hadley lunges forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, and he catches himself before he’s tossed backward. “You’re my best friend, Connor.”
He smiles over her head, hugging her back. “I’m a lucky man then.”
He might be more. So much more. I owe it to him and to Hadley to find out.
I step out into the room, and our gazes touch.
“You’re awake.”
“I am. How long has it been?”
“Mommy!” Hadley rushes toward me. I put my hand out quickly so she doesn’t barrel into me, which causes her to slow. “Sorry.”
