Page 11 of Here and Now
I love that he loves it, and that Quinn found us a town where there’s a league. It also works out that Hazel was able to give me time off during his practices. I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to find something flexible, but she’s truly wonderful and feels family should always come first.
“I’m glad,sweetheart.”
“Can we stay here for a long time?” Kai asks, and the hope in his voice makes my stomach ache.
Lying to him would be the easier thing. I’d give him the comfort of knowing he could have what he wanted, but I won’t do it. Living our life isn’t easy, and I have to be the one thing in his world that will always be honest, since almost nothing else is.
“We’ll stay for as long as we can,” I promise.
His face falls a little, but he nods. “I understand.”
I hate that I’ve disappointed him. Kai deserves to have people in his life for more than just a fleeting moment. He needs friends that he can play with, know, and grow with, and I worry that all I’ve done is what causes his anxiety, because each time he gets comfortable, we have to leave. I don’t want to keep him in a perpetual state of fear because that’s my job as his parent, but I also have to keep him, us, safe.
“Hey, what if we go get ice cream?” I try for a diversion tactic. Ice cream is always a win.
“Can I invite Ethan?”
My first instinct is to say no. The more we stay guarded, the easier it is to leave when we have to, but ... it could be days, months, or we could get to stay in Ember Falls forever. I just don’t know.
But for now, I’ll give him everything I want him to have in the hopes that this can be a place for him to stay longer.
I groan internally and nod. “Sure, honey.”
He’s running the other way before I can say another word. “Ethan! Do you want to come get ice cream?”
The two kids talk animatedly, and I see Ethan pleading with his uncle. He must agree, because the two boys jump up and down and then rush toward me, with Miles behind, carrying all the gear.
“Sorry, I said he could ask him and he took off,” I explain when Miles gets closer.
“No problem, I’m sure my sister will be absolutely overjoyed I’m returning him sugar filled.”
I smile. “Oh, I bet. Every mother just loves that.”
He winks. “It’s payback for my canceled trip.”
“You canceled a trip?”
“I did. I should be up in Michigan, enjoying the cooler weather with a pole in the water and a beer in my hand.”
“Instead, you’re coaching hockey. At least there is a cooler climate involved, and you also have a stick, just not in water,” I say with a smirk.
“Yes, Eloise noted that as well.”
“Is that your sister?” I ask.
“It is. She’s my twin, and according to her, she’s two thousand or something months pregnant, and I broke her husband’s leg, therefore I’m required to fill in as a coach so Ethan still gets three days a week where he’s out of the house.”
“Wait, you broke your brother-in-law’s leg?”
He shakes his head. “Not like that. I had him play a game with me and he got hurt. She blames me since it’s easier. It’s fine, I’ll take her wrath if it means Doug will owe me later.”
We start to walk toward the car where the boys are standing. “I know you feel coerced to coach, but it’s really nice you’re doing this. Kai ... has had a hard time meeting kids, and this clinic was really important to him.”
“Then it’s worth it.”
“Not for your nephew’s sake?” I ask with a grin.
“That too, but ... I see a lot being a principal, and kids have a hard time settling into a town that’s pretty much been inhabited by its founders. I’m glad Kai can transition and that he hit it off with Ethan right away. My nephew knows everyone and he’ll show him the ropes,” Miles explains.
