Page 128 of I’m Already Gone

“Yeah?” I ask, needing to hear it again.

“Yeah, Dad. I think that’s awesome.” He walks into my arms without hesitation, giving me a solid hug, and I hold him close.

“Thank you. That means a lot,” I say, patting his back a few times before we part.

I look down at Ollie, who’s still sitting on the chair quietly kicking his feet back and forth, his expression unreadable. I crouch down so we’re eye level. “Hey, Ollie. How do you feel about me asking your mom to marry me?”

He looks up at me with his big doe eyes. “If you marry my mom, does that mean you’ll be my daddy?”

The corners of my mouth twitch upwards, pure happiness spreading through me like warmth from the sun.

“I would love to be your daddy, Ollie,” I choke out, the words catching in my throat, fighting back the sudden rush of tears.

His eyebrows rise, mirroring the smile on his face. “Does that mean you’ll stay with me forever?”

I nod, still smiling through the mist in my eyes. “Yeah, buddy. Forever.”

He launches himself into my arms, and I catch him easily, holding him tight, rubbing my hand up and down his small back.

Forever.

Lily

“Mom, you have to wear these sandals because they’ll match your outfit.” Maddy’s voice is too loud and insistent for my still-fuzzy post-nap brain.

My fourteen-year-old daughter has been a bossy little thing. Apparently, Ethan has planned a special date for us tonight, and the rugrat has not left my side, taking on the role of my personal stylist.

A few hours ago, I woke from my nap to the sight of a large, purple, oblong box wrapped in a white mesh bow sitting at the foot of my bed. Inside was a gorgeous white sleeveless dress with a purple floral pattern that flared out beautifully at the hem. The top was a chic tube fit held up by spaghetti straps, and elegant ruffles gave it a sophisticated vibe. It was perfect.

“Mom, are you even listening to me?” Maddy probes.

“I’m sorry, honey. What did you say?”

She lets out a dramatic sigh and rolls her eyes. “These shoes, Mom. You have to wear these,” she repeats, holding up a pair of lilac sandals.

“Okay, sweet pea,” I concede with a small smile.

She kneels and helps slide them onto my feet. “Ready?” she asks, beaming up at me, her smile wide and infectious. She seems more excited than I am. It’s not that I’m not looking forward to a date with Ethan, because I am, but these last few days, I’ve been exhausted. I’ve had this nagging cough that won’t quit, and the chest pain has been getting steadily worse, making it difficult to breathe at times. But I refuse to let any of that spoil the wonderful evening Ethan has planned.

“Yes, I’m ready.” I push myself slowly to my feet.

A small wave of dizziness passes, and my daughter loops her arm through mine, her grip surprisingly strong, and guides me out of the room and down the hall.

As we approach the front door, I look up to see my sons waiting.

“What are you guys up to?” I ask.

Ollie steps forward, holding out a soft, white cardigan. “This is for you, Mama, so you don’t get too cold out there.”

“Thank you, my sweet boy,” I murmur. He helps me slip it on, adjusting the sleeves.

“Such a gentleman,” I praise, kissing his cheek. He returns the gesture with a wet smooch.

I glance over at Jake, who’s trying very hard to look serious. “Your chariot awaits, my lady,” he intones, attempting a very bad, overly dramatic English accent.

I burst out laughing. “Lead the way, then, Sir Jake.”

He holds the door open for me. “I’m going to walk with you, Mom.”