Luke shrugged. “Whatever. I just mean I’m used to strangers being more important than us. That’s all.”
My fingers curled into my palms, nails digging in deep. “I know for a fact that no one on this planet is more important to him than you and your brothers.”
Anger flashed in Luke’s eyes. “You don’t know him.”
“Idoknow him.”
Luke stilled, curiosity winning out. “Whatever.”
“I know that he saves people. He finds them when they’re alone and lost and close to dying. He gives them back their lives. And that’s what he’s doing tonight. But it doesn’t mean he loves you any less. It just means he’s trusting me to make sureyouaren’t alone or lost or dying while he helps someone who might be.”
Luke stared at me for a long beat, his throat working as he swallowed. “Sorry.”
“Your father is a good man. Probably the best I’ve ever known. You just have to give yourself the chance to see it.”
His fingers tightened on the book, but he didn’t say a word.
I didn’t force it. All I could do was plant the seed. “I’ll be in the living room if you need anything.”
I didn’t wait for an answer. I knew there wouldn’t be one. Instead, I headed for the door and shut it behind me.
The moment I reached the living room, I got to work picking up the remnants of a brutal Sorry! game and our evening snack. The tornado of destruction three boys could wreak in just one afternoon was amazing.
I grabbed the bowl of mostly demolished popcorn and began picking up stray kernels. How some had landed in a chair across the room, I didn’t want to know. It was probably a miracle there weren’t pieces stuck to the ceiling.
Packing up the game board, I slid it back onto its shelf. As I folded blankets, a wave of tiredness hit me. Maybe it was the long day or the concern for Lawson, but I suddenly felt as if I’d been hit by a Mack truck.
I flopped onto the sectional that was as comfortable as a cloud and pulled out my phone. Still nothing from Lawson. But there was a text from Emerson.
Emerson
How’s everything going? I haven’t heard from you much.
I could read the underlying message.Are you spiraling?
I quickly typed out a text.
Me
I’m good. Things have just been super busy. Apparently, taking care of three boys is a lot. Who knew?
Emerson
I think Adrian and I are sticking with one for that very reason.
Me
I don’t know. These three were pretty adorable playing Sorry! tonight.
Emerson
You used to kick my ass in Sorry!.
Me
Don’t worry, I took it easy on the kiddos.
Emerson
