Page 34 of A Love Like That

River’s adoption made me think of my parents. I’d only seen them once since that explosive family dinner. I’d run into them at the grocery store, and it had been tense. My dad wanted to talk. My mom wanted to criticize. And I wanted nothing to do with either of them.

It was the same thing. It wasalwaysthe same with them. I couldn’t even bring myself to be disappointed by my dad’s behavior because he was following the same script he always had.

“Do you think one day I’ll get a new mom like River got a new dad?” Savannah asked.

Oof.How the heck was I supposed to respond to that?

I sat on the chair next to hers and wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “No one can ever replace your mom,” I said. “She was one of a kind, and she loved you very much.”

She nodded, lip quivering. “I really miss her.”

“I know, sweetie. I miss her too.” It had been the hardest part of coming home, knowing Tessa wasn’t here. “And she’ll always be with you in your heart and in your memories.”

“But it’s not the same!” she cried, surprising me with her sudden outburst.

“You’re right.” I rubbed her arm, hating that I couldn’t do more to comfort her. “It’s not.”

She cried as I held her. And as her sniffles echoed off the cold tile, I wondered if I’d completely screwed up.

“You know, you’re not like the other adults,” she finally said.

I wasn’t sure whether to take that as a compliment or not. So instead, I asked, “How so?”

“Usually when I cry, they try to tell me that I’m fine.”

I frowned. I wasn’t surprised, but I didn’t like it. “No one has the power to tell you how you feel.”

“See! That’s what I mean.” She sat up straighter. “You’re, like, way cooler. And you’re honest. I like that about you.”

I smiled. “Thanks. I think you’re pretty cool too.”

She settled back against me. “Plus, Dad’s a lot happier since you arrived.”

I gnawed on my lip but said nothing. I mean… Had all of that really happened?

I rewound the evening in my head. Savannah had talked about my boobs. Tristan hadlookedat my boobs.

I shook my head. I still wasn’t sure what to make of his actions, let alone his words. I’d been turned on; that much was certain. So had he.

I sighed and stared at the ceiling tiles, unable to forget the feel of his touch. The way his gaze heated. The timbre of his voice when he spoke in that commanding tone.

He’d been…sodifferent. So hot.

Savannah sighed and laid her head in my lap, her limbs growing heavy. I knew she had to be tired. It was the middle of the night, and her little body had been filled with worry for Rex.

“Do you think Rex will be okay?” she finally asked, yawning.

“I hope so,” I said, smoothing my hand over her hair. “I know we did everything we could for him. I’m really proud of you, Savannah.”

She hugged my legs. “I love you, Auntie Ellie.”

My heart melted, and I bent forward to hug her back. We were like a big pretzel. “I love you too.”

Whatever had or hadn’t happened tonight between Tristan and me, none of it mattered because I was here to help with the kids. Wanting anything more would be foolish.

NINE

My head was ringing. Or was that my phone? It was too early. Too bright.

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