"That's a question for your father, don't you think?" I couldn't run interference for her. She needed to learn how to communicate with him. I wouldn't always be living with them.
I tried not to think about how nice it was to take Hayden to the store, getting her input on dinner, and then ensuring she had everything she needed to take care of herself. I never thought about what it would be like to be a mother, but it was nice.
"I guess."
We carried the plastic bags inside, setting them on the counter.
Marshall was done with the upper cabinets and stretched his back. "What do you think?"
"It looks nice," Hayden said, and we were both surprised that she'd said something positive. She tended to be negative.
"You like the white?" Marshall asked her, and my heart contracted watching them interact.
I set the bag with her things in it in her bedroom, and when I returned, they were discussing the color for the island. Marshall put a few paint swatches on the counter for Hayden to consider.
I put away the rest of the groceries, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.
"We could do blue, a darker navy, a lighter coastal blue which is nice for a beach cottage, gray, or white like the other cabinets," Marshall said.
"I like the coastal blue." Then Hayden looked at me. "Do you think Blaire will like it?"
"She'll love it," I said confidently.
"Coastal blue it is," Marshall said, and I could tell he was pleased that Hayden had taken an interest in the decision.
The cottage already had beach-related decor with seashells, anchors, and sailboat knickknacks and pictures. The white and blue would go nicely with the rest of the house.
Hayden chewed on her lip. "One of the girls from the senior center invited me over tonight."
"Which one?"
"Suzie Newman."
"Now?" Marshall asked, probably disappointed that he'd made a brief connection with her, and now she wanted to leave.
"Yeah, there's nothing to do since it's raining out anyway."
Marshall's forehead creased. "Will a parent be home?"
"She said her mom is home all day, but you can talk to her when you drop me off."
I appreciated that she'd offer a solution to ease her father's concern.
"I'll wash up, then take you over."
Hayden smiled, and I could tell that it wasn't something Marshall had seen a lot of lately. "Thanks, Dad." Then she hugged him, and after a second hesitation, his arms came around her. Then she turned on her heel, disappearing down the hallway to her room to get ready.
He looked at me. "I was hoping we could do a game night or something since it's raining."
I shrugged. "You wanted her to make friends here."
Marshall sighed. "I didn't think that through. It means she'll spend more time away from the house."
"I think it's a good first step. She talked to you about the paint, and now she's making friends with some of the kids who live here."
He nodded. "If she's happy here, then things will be better."
"You're more likely to make connections with her," I agreed.
