Page 96 of All Too Well

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“I drove an hour and a half to find the bakery that Hazel said makes the absolute best pie. I called there first, and they said they didn’t have any of that this week, but I explained what I needed it for, and she specially made you a cake. The rest is at home.”

I glance up, my chest feeling as though someone is squeezing it, and I can’t breathe. “Ainsley, this is ...”

“Sometimes the past belongs behind us, and other times we need to visit because there’s a part of us that isn’t healed yet. While it’s not your birthday, and it’s not your mother’s baking, it’s a piece of our life that we can still enjoy. I know this article feels like we’re going back, and all those things are going to beopened again, but, Lachlan, you should know I would never do anything to hurt you.”

I lean forward, taking her hand in mine, and kiss her softly. “I’d break myself open for you. You’ve always been my weakness.”

“Let me be your strength.”

I kiss her again. “What do you want to know? I’m an open book.”

And then we have the longest interview of my life.

twenty

Lachlan

“Can I please stay up late?” Rose whines as I have my finger pointed toward her room.

“Nope.”

“But—”

I cut her off before she can try any bullshit reasoning. “No. You were up late last night after a long cheer practice, and tomorrow we’re going to the Strawberry Festival, and then your competition.” Much to my dismay.

Ainsley was explaining to Rose why she was going to miss her cheer competition, and my daughter decided that if we all went together, no one had to miss anything. This way, Ainsley can help the Admiral after the festival, and then we can go to the competition first thing in the morning.

Protesting would’ve worked if Ainsley didn’t team up with her and then send me a text promising that tonight I could do whatever I wanted to her if I agreed.

Of course I agreed.

Like a fool. But a fool who is going to be very happy in an hour or two.

“Okay,” she says with her lower lip jutted out.

“Come on, let’s brush your teeth, and I’ll read you a book.”

“Can Ainsley do it?”

“Do what?” I ask.

“Can she read me the story tonight?”

I glance over at Ainsley, who smiles. “If it’s okay, I’d love to.”

“Of course it’s okay,” I say quickly. While this is something I always do with Rose, I’m not going to complain that she’s finding friendship with Ainsley.

Ainsley turns to Rose. “I’ll meet you in there once you’re ready.”

Rose rushes into her room to get changed and then to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Ainsley comes close, nudging me with her hip. “Do you have any ... plans for tonight?”

I lean in close. “For you?”

She nods.

“I think half of the fun is making you wait and wonder.”

If she only knew the plans I had for her, she might decide to sleep somewhere else.