“So, eggs and bacon all around?” I ask, shaking my head at them.
We can’t start a new unhealthy tradition every time Casey stays for breakfast. Sometime soon, all we’ll be eating every morning is sugar.
“I can help,” Casey offers as Sutton hops up onto the stool next to her.
“Nope. You just hang out with my girl there. I’ve got this.”
As I move around my kitchen, Casey’s eyes follow me despite being locked in conversation with my daughter.
I look over my shoulder and my eyes collide with hers, her cheeks brightening at being caught.
I blow her a kiss before focusing back on breakfast.
So this is what it feels like to be truly happy…
It’s fucking addictive.
After convincing Casey to braid her hair, they both disappear upstairs so Sutton can get ready for school, leaving me with the clean up.
Maybe Mom had the right idea.
Ifeel guilty for saying it, because I know Casey is hurting, but I had the best fucking day.
We took Sutton to school together, and I won’t lie, I got a little choked up when Sutton wrapped her arms around Casey, giving her a big squeeze just like she had me before racing across the playground toward her classroom.
Seeing my daughter falling just as hard and fast for Casey is incredible.
After stopping at her place so she could change and grab a few things, we got takeout coffee and then went home.
Walking in together felt so natural. Seeing her in my space felt so normal and yet electrifying at the same time. It made me realize that this house hasn’t really been a home at all. It was missing something.
We curled up on the couch, watching highlights of last night’s games, and before I knew it, Casey’s breathing evened out and she drifted off to sleepon my chest.
I held her tighter and pressed my lips to the top of her head, breathing her in.
I hate that she’s hurting, but I also love that she’s relaxed enough with me to get the rest she needs.
Losing her mom will always hurt, just like losing Dad will for me. But together, I hope we can make those harder moments a little more bearable.
Together, we slept for hours, and only woke when my cell alarm started blaring, reminding us that we needed to collect Sutton from school.
Later that evening, the three of us sit at the dining table like a real family, eating enchiladas while listening to Sutton’s drama of the day.
Of course, it’s focused on Adrian.
Sutton tells Casey all about what a little shit he is, and they bond over the fact Sutton is dealing with some of the same issues Casey did when she was younger.
Everything is great. Perfect, even. Until I send Sutton upstairs to get showered.
My cell buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out, wanting to put off cleaning up a little longer.
Storm: Did you manage to get in there first?
I frown.
Kodie: With what?
But even as I type the letters, dread begins to seep through my veins.
