Page 114 of X My Heart

“I missed you too.”

She is quiet for a while, staring at Stevie. “We are going to take him to the hotel.”

“Mom, he needs his school, his friends,” I tell her.

She sits on the bed. “I don’t want to leave you.”

I take her hand in mine. “I’m not going anywhere, not yet. He needs a normal life. I’ll know when it is time, before…” I bite my lip when she closes her eyes and winces.

She kisses my forehead. “You are so much stronger than I am. I love you so much, Sky. You make my life so beautiful. I’m so proud to be your mother.”

“I can’t come home, Mom,” I tell her.

“I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes, because you have been my home all these years, baby. I want you to stay here. Jay and Hunter need you.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too,” she says, caressing my cheek. She takes my hand in hers, and together we sit there for a while, holding each other.

Mom, Conrad and Stevie leave the following day, when Hunter, Drew and Mac come back from San Diego after giving a clinic sponsored by Red Bull.

“Hey, kiddo,” Dad says, walking into Hunter’s apartment. “The boys are unpacking the truck.”

“Hi, Dad,” I say, getting comfortable on the couch.

“I just said goodbye to your mom; she looks happy with Conrad,” he says, flashing me a warm smile. “Want something to drink and listen to a record?”

I nod and he turns on a Lynyrd Skynyrd LP. He puts on a kettle before he takes his seat, reaching out, he brushes his hand through my hair. “Each night before I would go to sleep I’d put on the song I used to sing for you.”

“Free Bird,” I say, smiling.

He nods, taking the necklace I wear in his hand. “And I would sing along with the lyrics and know I’d failed as your father.” He hangs his head.

“Dad.” I put my arms around him, and bury my face in his neck. His body shudders. “I’m thankful for our time together.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I finally feel I have a chance, have you back in my life.” He chokes on his own words. “And this time, you are leaving me.”

“Jay.” I take his cheeks between my hands. The same brown eyes as my own, roam my face. “I’m not leaving any time soon, Dad, and it’s okay, because you are with me. We are in this together.”

He kisses my temple. “God, I’m gonna miss you.”

“Me too, Daddy,” I whisper against his heaving chest. “Me too.”

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