Page 3 of If You Love Me

“It’s the first day of school, Mommy. I’m going to fifth grade, and I’m so excited. Me and Daddy already met my teachers, and they’re all really nice. Daddy said since I kept my grades up last year, I can go out for cheerleading this year!”

I smiled weakly as she continued to talk. Since she was about five, she would sit in front of Evenie’s picture and tellher all about her day. The first time I heard her, I thought I was tripping. I was walking past her bedroom door. She was supposed to be asleep, but when I stuck my head in, she was standing in front of the picture, talking to it.

“What are you doing, baby?” I asked, stepping into the room.

“Talking to Mommy.”

She said it as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Well, for me, it was. I talked to my wife every night at that point. Maybe she overheard me and decided to do it too. I stood there, watching, my heart tightening in my chest. When she kissed her good night, I almost lost it. The moment I left the room and made it to mine, I broke down.

I missed Evenie terribly. The first few years were the worst. I’d committed to holding on to hope, and it was drowning me. Eventually, I opened my heart to love again, and the good Lord saw fit to send me an angel.

Iona Cambridge.

She stood five feet four with a Coke bottle figure. Her long, auburn hair reached the middle of her back. Those beautiful brown eyes and full, pouty lips were my favorite features. She was beautiful… stunning even.

She was a counselor at Summer Rose’s school. I met her in the front office four years ago. Summer loved her, and she loved Summer. She’d become a big part of our lives. My family agreed that it was okay to move on. They all liked her and thought she was a good fit for me and my baby. A few months ago, I took the biggest step and asked her to marry me. Finally, I felt like we were getting a new happy ending.

“What are you slow pokes doing?” I heard behind us.

I turned to see Iona standing with her hands on her hips. I reached for her, pulling her into my side. She smiled when my lips landed on hers.

“Don’t try to butter me up, sir. You two are gonna have us late for school.”

“I was just talking to Mommy,” Summer explained, grabbing her backpack.

Iona smiled. “I’m sure she’s wishing you the happiest first day of school. Breakfast is on the table. Go on and eat so we can head out.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Summer trotted past us and headed for the kitchen. Iona wrapped her arms around me and leaned in for a kiss.

“You ready for today?” I asked.

“I’m always happy to see my little ones. I have my fingers crossed that they had a good summer and don’t come in on bullshit.” She grew quiet and poked her lip out.

“What’s wrong?”

“This is the last year I have with Summer.”

“Awww, baby. You get to come home to her, though.”

“I know. It’s not the same as riding to work with her. We have our own little routine. We get our drinks, we listen to music, and dance it out before we pull into the parking lot. She wants to ride the bus next year. Who am I gonna get my Starbucks with now?”

I chuckled, but I could tell she was serious. While she wasn’t her mother, she’d taken on the motherly role and took it very seriously. Summer Rose was very respectful toward her and listened when she gave her instruction.

“Why don’t you make drinks with her in the morning? She can put it in her tumbler and take it with her to school. And I won’t even complain about y’all’s loud singing and horrible dancing.”

She playfully slapped my chest. “Don’t come for us.”

“What! I think that’s a reasonable compromise. Admit it. Neither of you were blessed with the gift of song.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. We’re bonding. That’s all that matters.”

“You’re right.” I pecked her lips. “Come on. Let’s go eat before you blame me for making y’all late again.”

She walked up ahead of me, and I gave her butt a light slap, causing her to squeal.

“Tyrion!”

---