Page 3 of Turtle Dove

“I tried to stay awake. I wanted to see you, but I was so tired.” His voice is deep and husky with sleep.

“I’m here now,” I say, kissing his neck this time. “Rest, Gray. We can see each other in the morning.”

“I love you, Mills.” He pulls me in closer, both of his arms encircling me.

“I love you more,” I reply.

Within moments, I feel his breathing even out and grow deeper. He is fast asleep.

Chapter 2

Grayson

It’s rare that I have a Friday afternoon off, but when the opportunity came, I grabbed it with both hands.

I let Mills know I’d be picking Cadence up from school today as a surprise on her last day. Winter break is here; so here I sit, in the pickup line, surrounded by mom after mom after mom looking like they want to pounce.

According to Amelia, it’s because I’m a single dad, or I used to be. Apparently, that’s a “hot as fuck” trait. Her words.

I am tapping my fingers on the wheel, along to the beat of some Christmas song on the radio, when Cadence comes walking out with a pout on her face.

Uh oh.

One of the teachers opens the back door and lets her slide in before sending us off.

“What? No excited shrieks for Daddy today?” I ask, as I pull onto the street.

“No.” She wipes her cheeks. There are tears. My angry dad senses start tingling.

“Cad... Why are you crying? Did something happen?” I peek back at her in the rearview.

“Nothing.”

“That’s not true. You never cry. What’s the matter?”

“Robby Rhine told me Santa Claus isn’t real and only babies believe in him.”

That. Little. Motherfucker.

“Well, Robby Rhine is a little shit who is getting coal for Christmas this year,” I say under my breath, but clearly not low enough.

“Daddy! You can’t say that around me. Melia will smack you in the arm.”

I laugh. “You’re right. She would. I’m sorry. Now about this Robby...”

“Is he telling the truth, Daddy? Is Santa fake and for babies?”

My heart hurts. I wanted to keep the Christmas magic real for her as long as possible.

“Santa is only real to those that believe in him. Do you believe, Cadence?”

“I did, but...”

That but, the sad but; it hurts the most.

***

After Cadence is settled in her room with her afternoon snack and a movie, I pull Amelia into our room to talk.

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