Page 136 of Made for Mayhem

“Everything is beautiful,” she said. “Junie’s thriving. I spoke with the school district and they’re more than prepared to take Junie back this fall, ready for any impending needs should they arise for counseling.” She flipped a page. “I also spoke with Tate at the rink and she’s thrilled with your progress so far, so you’ve got stable employment. Really, Daisy, I’m very impressed with the progress you’ve made this summer.”

“Thank you,” Daisy said. “So what happens next?”

“I wish every case was this simple,” Sandra smiled. “With the house finished, you’ve now met every requirement. The judge has already signed off that he’s ready to give you full physical and legal custody, Daisy, keeping Juniper with family as we always wanted. You can decide what role Ty keeps in her life, but this case is closed. Congratulations.”

I stared at the floor, heart hammering in my chest, hearing the words I’d dreaded all summer. No matter how much I loved Junie, no matter what Violet had put in her will, she wasn’t mine.

Not anymore.

Unaware she’d just wrecked my world, Sandra turned the page again. “And Daisy, once the order’s signed, you’re free to relocate to Chicago. Just file interstate transfer paperwork and notify the court with the new address for the yearly wellness checks. Routine stuff.”

Chicago.

The word hit me like a hip check I never saw coming—fast, low, and right to the ribs. All the air left my lungs in one silent whoosh.

Daisy nodded, small and careful, arms wrapped tight around her middle.

“And Ty,” Sandra said, her small hand on my shoulder. “Well done. This is always the hardest part, letting your foster kids go. But I think we both can feel good about the fact that this little girl will live a happy life with a loving family, hm?”

I nodded, because that’s what she expected, even though each word out of her mouth hit like a blow.

Sandra left. The dust from her tires settled slow, like it didn’t belong here anymore.

“Chicago?” I asked. My voice sounded far away, my head was spinning so fast. “You’re still thinking about going back?”

Daisy leaned against the new siding and stared out at the river catching the last of the sun. “I haven’t decided,” she said quietly.

I haven’t decided.

Not No.

Not We’re staying.

Not even I love you more than it hurts to stay here.

Just I haven’t decided.

I swallowed hard, searching for anything that wouldn’t sound like begging. My mouth opened and closed twice.

Before I could find words, a small voice floated through the font door, tiny and trembling.

“We’re moving to Chicago?”

We both spun.

Junie stood halfway out the door, clutching the wall with one hand and her forgotten cookie with the other. Her eyes were huge behind the lenses, flicking from Daisy to me and back again, filling fast.

Daisy took a half-step forward, hands out. “Cutie⁠—”

“I don’t want to go,” Junie continued, voice cracking on every word. She looked straight at me, eyes glassy. “Then I’ll lose my dad too.”

The porch went so quiet I could hear the wildflowers closing for the night, petals folding like secrets. I could hear the river a quarter-mile away, steady and ancient. I could hear my own heart trying to punch its way out of my chest and run straight to that little girl I loved so damn much.

Junie had heard everything.

And she didn’t want to leave.

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