Page 93 of This Feeling

“We could, but you and I both have busy schedules. And my work schedule rotates.”

“I’ll talk to the girls about taking turns watching Winnie for a few hours, at least to give them small breaks. Cadie sent a text earlier that said she’d help in any way she could. And even though Brystol acted put out, I know she’d help as well.”

I smiled. “Did you see Brystol rocking Winnie and singing to her before we left her store, when she didn’t think we were watching?”

“Yes! I never knew she had such a pretty singing voice.”

The front door opened as we walked up the sidewalk, and Liam appeared. Winnie let out a little squeal of happiness as she held her hands out for her father.

“Dada!”

“Hello, my little angel heart,” Liam said, as he peppered his daughter with kisses. “Did you have fun today?”

“I think she did,” Harper said, as she tickled under Winnie’s chin. “We went to the toy store, the little gym with my sister and her daughter, Mandy, and then we had dinner at my parents’ house. My mother took control of Winnie and spoiled her rotten. And she napped for two hours after we left the little gym.”

Liam smiled at his daughter, and when he lifted his head to look at us, tears filled his eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you guys for doing this for me. It was a nice break for both Hope and me.”

I felt a lump form in my throat, and found I was unable to say anything for fear I’d get emotional. Thank God Harper kept it together.

“It was our pleasure, Liam. We had so much fun. We were just talking about maybe being able to come and get Winnie more often. I know Aurora, Cadie, and Brystol will also want to help out.”

A tear slipped down Liam’s cheek, and before I knew what was happening, I’d taken Winnie out of his arms, and Harper was hugging him. He was crying, and it was all I could do to keep my tears at bay.

Jesus H, what in the hell was happening to me? Inevercried…and I’d seen some pretty atrocious shit during my time in the Marines.

Liam stepped back and wiped his face. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Liam, you don’t have to apologize. If you ever need a break, I’m happy to stay here with Hope,” I offered.

He nodded. “I could use a break away from everything for a few hours.”

“When was the last time you had some alone time?” I asked.

Liam shook his head as he thought. “I’m not sure. I try to stop in at The Muddled Moose at least once a week or so. Thank God I’ve got two managers I can count on. I could leave my mother with Hope, but to be honest…I don’t trust her. I know that’s a terrible thing to say, but she’s never liked Hope, and the fact that she’s battling cancer hasn’t changed that.”

“Why don’t we do this,” I suggested. “You figure out which day you want to head into work, or take some time for yourself, and Harper and I will come and stay with Hope and Winnie.”

“Why would you do that? I’m sure you’re just as busy yourselves,” Liam said.

Harper reached for his hand. “Because we consider you friends, and we care about all three of you. And it’s not just us; so many people in town want to help, Liam.”

He wiped another tear away and nodded. “Thank you.”

Harper pulled out a card and handed it to him. “This has my cell number. Callanytime, okay?”

Liam took it and pushed it into his back pocket. “Thank you, Harper.”

Handing Winnie back to her father, I smiled as Liam thanked me as well.

“Anytime, dude. Anytime.” I pointed to the car seat sitting on the porch. “I’ll leave this right here.”

Liam cleared his throat. “Thanks. I better get back in. Hope was sleeping, but I want to hear her in case she wakes up.”

“Of course. Take care, and hug Hope for me,” Harper said as she waved to Winnie. “Bye, baby girl!”

Winnie waved and blew kisses, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Once Liam was inside, I took Harper’s hand, and we slowly walked back to her car. Neither of us said a word during the short drive to her place, but I was positive she was thinking of the same things as me—Liam, Hope, and Winnie.

The little family of three that was being torn apart by cancer.

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