Page 129 of Could Have Been Us
I burst out into laughter. We squirm on the floor, and I grab whatever flour and God knows what on the floor, tossing it at him.
After a second of fighting, he gets ahold of my arms and pins me. I shiver at the feel of his lips at my ear. “I love you. I love you both, and I’ll do whatever I can to make this okay.”
I turn my head the best I can to get a glimpse of his face. “I know. I trust you.”
Kinsley walks over, hands on her hips as she stares down at us with a smile. “I guess we’re not having waffles.”
“No, I think we all had something much better—fun.” I smile and extend my hand for her to help me up. When she does, I pull her down, and we laugh again, rolling around in the mess, and I know this memory will carry me through all that’s to come.
Chapter 38
Jack
Ihold Stella’s hand as we sit in the house, watching Samuel and Kinsley reunite.
I thought I knew pain before.
I thought I understood loss, struggle, sacrifice.
I knew fucking nothing.
Stella’s arm shakes, contradicting the look of joy that hasn’t left her face. There are other tells. The way her eyes crinkle just at the edges. How her smile is too tight—too practiced.
She’s dying inside.
Hell, I am too.
“I can’t thank you both enough,” Samuel says, and we both stand.
“It wasn’t any trouble.” Stella releases my hand, clasping both in front of her. “If anything, I feel like Jack and I should thank you. We got . . . we got time with her.”
I clear my throat, swallowing the emotions threatening to choke me. “You’ve done an amazing job with her. She’s really a great kid.”
Samuel looks at us, his eyes saying much more than the words. “I’m sorry. I know this can’t be easy for you.”
Stella shakes her head. “Please don’t. Please don’t say that. It’s hard, but I’m not sorry. Thank you for calling me for help. Jack and I both aren’t sorry.”
“She’s right, and while I hate to bring this up now, I’m not sure I’ll ever get the chance again.” I force myself to say more. “Stella and I would like to be here for you both if you need us or even if you want us around. We’d like to know Kinsley and talk to her.” Stella’s brown eyes find mine, and I can see the tears brimming. “None of us need to decide anything today, but . . .”
“You and Stella are always welcome, Jack. Misty and I promised you’d get letters, and if Kinsley wanted more, we’d discuss that. The gift you gave us, well, we cherished it. Maybe after a few days, we’ll talk and come up with a plan that works for everyone?” He looks toward Kinsley’s room. She went in there right away to unpack so she could help Samuel with whatever he needs. “I have a lot of things to do over the next few days, and I need to get to a meeting tomorrow.”
“We understand,” I assure him.
And I do, but I can’t stop the constant tearing of my heart.
“There’s just so much to think about. I have an interview lined up—I don’t know if I told you.”
“You hadn’t. That’s great.” The words feel thick in my throat.
Stella smiles. “What’s the job?”
Samuel’s leg bounces as he talks. “It’s just construction, I was the foreman before, but since I got let go for drinking on the job, I’m doubtful I’ll get anything like that again, but this one is a good starting point. It’s a good company.”
He failed to mention that’s why he got fired, but . . .
“We both wish you luck,” I say, meaning every word. Kinsley needs Samuel, and he needs to work to provide for her. Not that Stella and I haven’t already decided to help in some way as well.
“And if you need anything, please call us,” Stella emphasizes.
