Page 42 of I'm Yours

Sadie’s smile lights up the entire room. “You did. But you’d think you’d have gotten better at some point.”

I shake my head and shrug. “Never did.”

Kandace clears her throat and we take a step away from each other. “Okay, Sadie, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Erica and Emmy hug goodbye and Kandace and I exchange numbers so she can get in touch about a playdate for the girls, which makes them squeal with excitement.

“See you next week, Miss Sadie!” Emmy hugs Sadie and tugs on my hand to follow Erica and Kandace out the door.

“I guess that’s my cue. I’ll, uh, see you around?”

She nods and I hate that it’s going to be a week before I see her again. But moving back home isn’t about me dating or spending time with women. It’s about starting fresh. I can hardly start fresh with the woman who broke my heart twelve years ago.

That doesn’t mean my heart and head are in agreement with the new plan of not having Sadie in my life as more than just my daughter’s dance teacher. Or my dick. Which is currently stirring to life for the first time since Katherine passed.

Emmy and I make our way to my pickup and climb inside. As soon as we’re buckled, I start it up and call Justin on FaceTime, handing the phone to Emmy.

They talk like two old ladies, Justin filling Emmy in on the gossip, keeping it rated G, of course, about the triangle and anything else she missed since we’ve been gone. She asks questions most five year olds wouldn’t think to ask. What he had for breakfast. What show is he watching on Netflix. If he plans to dress up for Halloween that’s still over a month away. He indulges every question and adds plenty of his own. When he tells her he’s coming to see us in a few weeks, she kicks and cheers, making me smile and I have no doubt he’s doing the same.

As much of a pain in the ass as he can be, I’m glad I have him. He got me through losing Katherine and stepped in without a second thought. He’s like a brother to me and I couldn’t be more grateful.

They end the call as we pull up to the house and Emmy hands me back my phone. I’ve barely put it in park before she has the door open and is running to the house, excited to show her grandparents the flowers and tell them about her evening. The scent of marinara sauce wafts through the open windows and my mouth waters. One of the best parts of being home is my mom’s cooking. I’ll never tire of it.

As I’m walking to the house, my phone buzzes with a text.

Unknown:Emmy did amazing tonight, Reed. You should be so proud.

I scrunch my eyebrows and stare at my phone.

Me:Sadie?

Unknown:Who else would it be?

Me:I just didn’t realize you had my number. I don’t mind, of course.

I quickly store her number into my contacts.

Sadie:It was on the sign-up form. I hope it’s okay I used it?

Me:I already said I don’t mind.

Sadie:Okay, well, I just wanted to let you know how great she did. She’s a sweet girl, Reed.

My chest swells with pride. It’s a universal feeling, I’m sure, for all parents. We can think our own kids are great and amazing and talented but when someone else says they are, it’s like we’ve just accepted the award for best parent of the world.

Me:Thank you. I’m pretty fond of her myself.

Sadie:As you should be.

I run my teeth over my bottom lip and consider my next step for about a second before I type out:

Me:How about that coffee tomorrow?

I hold my breath as I watch the three bubbles pop up and disappear only to appear again.

Sadie:I’d like that.

Me:9 at the diner? I haven’t had one of their breakfast skillets in a while.

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