Page 17 of Finders Keepers

“I don’t know if I can…” My voice trails off.

Ms. Lucy sits across from me, her weathered hands folding over mine and I tense at the sudden contact. “Bailey, I understand your hesitation. Truly I do.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” I whisper, glancing at Sophie who’s now decorating Mr. Hoppy with tiny bits of pancake. “It’s just—”

“You’ve been through something that’s made it hard to trust anyone.” Her voice is gentle but matter-of-fact. “That’s not something to apologize for.”

I nod, my throat already tightening.

“But sometimes, taking one small step leads to the next. And the next.” She squeezes my hand. “I’ll keep Sophie right here. We’ll make more pancakes, maybe add some chocolate chips this time. You’ll be gone an hour, tops.”

Sophie’s head snaps up at the mention of her name. “Where’s Mommy going?”

I turn toward her. “Just to talk to someone about a job, baby. With flowers.”

Her bottom lip immediately trembles. “No! Don’t go!” She scrambles off her chair and flings herself against my legs. “Don’t leave me.”

My heart shatters. I slide off my chair, pulling her into my arms. “Oh, sweetie—”

“I wanna go with you.” Tears spill down her cheeks. “Please, Mommy.”

Ms. Lucy crouches beside us, her knees cracking slightly. “Miss Sophie, I sure could use a special helper for my next batch of pancakes. I’m thinking chocolate chip this time, but I need an expert to make sure I get the recipe just right.”

Sophie hiccups, still clinging to me. “But—”

“And when your momma gets back, we can show her our masterpieces. Maybe even make some pancake art. Have you ever made a pancake shaped like a bunny?”

Sophie shakes her head, her sobs quieting. “Like… like Mr. Hoppy?”

“Exactly like Mr. Hoppy. But I need a brave helper. Think you could be brave for just a little while?”

Sophie looks up at me, her lashes wet with tears. “You’ll come back?”

“I promise. So fast you won’t even have time to miss me.” I smooth her hair back. “And then you can tell me all about your pancake adventures.”

She considers this, then gives a small nod. “Okay.”

I wrap my arms around Sophie, breathing in the sweet scent of her. She hugs me back fiercely, her little arms tight around my neck.

“I’ll be back before you know it, baby girl,” I whisper against her ear. “You be good for Ms. Lucy, okay?”

She nods against my shoulder. “I’ll make you a bunny pancake, Mommy.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” I kiss her forehead and force myself to stand up.

“I promise we’ll be just fine.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”

“Mary Beth’s expecting you.” She smiles warmly.

I nod, grabbing my purse from the counter and heading toward the door before my courage deserts me completely. My hand closes around the doorknob, and I pause, turning back for one last look.

Sophie stands in the kitchen doorway, Mr. Hoppy clutched to her chest. Ms. Lucy’s hand rests on her shoulder, both watching me. My throat tightens painfully, and I feel my smile falter. This is the first time we’ll be separated since we fled Oklahoma. What if something happens while I’m gone? What if Matt somehow—

Sophie gives me a small wave, and then, unexpectedly, a thumbs up—something I always do when I’m trying to encourage her to be brave. The simple gesture nearly breaks me.

“I love you, Soph,” I call, my voice catching.

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