His eyes grew round as he stared at the flame, but he nodded.
Miller wrapped his arms around me. He did that half singing, mostly talking thing. But I didn’t think Jacob even noticed.
“Make a wish, champ,” he said.
“Wishies?”
We blew on wishies all the time outside. Jacob loved to watch the pieces of the flower blow around in the wind like snowflakes.
I nodded. “Wish for anything you want.”
Jacob scrunched his face to the side. And then he leaned forward.
I didn’t want him to get too close to the flame. So Miller and I leaned forward at the same time. And we all blew out the candle together.
It wasn’t my birthday. But I’d snuck in a wish anyway. For endless days like this with my boys.
I snuck a glance at Miller. He was smiling down at me. I was pretty sure he’d snuck in a similar wish too.
Runaway - Chapter 50
4 Months Later - Wednesday - Thanksgiving
“Jacob, if you want to go outside, you have to put on a shirt and your sneakers.”
“No.”
“Sweet boy, you’ll freeze your toesies.” I grabbed his little foot.
“No.”
I laughed. “Yes you will.” I looked over at Miller for his help. But when I saw him, I completely lost my train of thought. He was dressed like he was about to go for a run around the lake. Gym shorts without a shirt. I’m pretty sure my heart skipped a beat every time I saw him with his shirt off. But my eyes narrowed at his bare feet. “Miller, what are you doing?”
“It’s not that cold out yet, kid,” he said and kissed my cheek. “Besides, we’re gonna get overheated.”
“Doing what exactly?”
“Footie!” Jacob yelled and held up a brand new football.
“Football,” Miller corrected and ruffled Jacob’s hair. “Starting new Thanksgiving traditions.”
“Yes. Footie,” Jacob said.
I turned back to Miller. The two of them had become obsessed with watching football every Sunday. And even though Jacob claimed he loved it, there was no way he had any idea what was happening. And he was certainly too young to play. “No.”
“Now you sound like Jacob,” Miller said with a laugh. “Come on. Don’t give me that look. You’re invited too.” He started backing up slowly toward the door.
“Both of you need shoes,” I said.
“Nope. Come on, you don’t want to miss out.”
I looked down at my own bare feet. Yeah, I was a hypocrite. I shook my head but laughed. Miller had me just where he wanted me. “But the turkey will be ready in half an hour,” I said.
“I’m a good cook now. I won’t forget the turkey.”
“You will too forget the turkey.”
But Miller had already reached the door. And I certainly didn’t want to miss out. I ran out after them into the chilly fall air.
