Page 21 of Big Risks

“Surprise,” she says, holding it up. “Gino’s. Thought you could use a break from spaghetti night.”

Olivia bounces beside her. “You got garlic knots?! Daddy, can she stay? Please?”

I should say no.

I should keep space between us.

But the truth is, I missed her. Every damn minute.

“Come on in.”

Hailey steps inside, and the house suddenly feels different. It feels warmer and fuller. She follows me to the kitchen, Olivia skipping alongside her with a running commentary about her day at school.

"I hope this isn't imposing," Hailey says quietly when Olivia dashes off to wash her hands. "I just... I didn't like how we left things at the fair."

"You didn't impose. I'm the one who—"

"Walker." She sets the food down on the counter. "Can we just eat some pasta and not overthink it? I miss hanging out with you guys."

The simplicity of her request disarms me. "I'd like that."

We eat at the table like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Olivia chattering, Hailey laughing, me watching the way her fingers curl around her fork and tuck her hair behind her ear.

After dinner, Olivia insists Hailey come downstairs to her basement playroom to see her solar system project. I follow,leaning in the doorway while Hailey crouches to admire pipe cleaner rings and glittered planets.

“Saturn’s my favorite,” Olivia says.

“Mine too,” Hailey grins. “Big mood energy.”

“You’re like Saturn,” Olivia announces. “You sparkle.”

Hailey laughs, startled and soft. It’s the sound I’ll chase in my dreams.

Within twenty minutes, Olivia has convinced Hailey to watch a movie with us. They settle onto the playroom couch, and I bring down popcorn and juice boxes. I sit on Olivia's other side, hyperaware of Hailey just inches away.

Halfway through the animated film, Olivia's head drops against my arm, her breathing slowing into sleep. Hailey notices and smiles softly.

"She's out," she whispers.

I nod. "Give it another five minutes to make sure she's deep under, and then I'll carry her up."

We sit in comfortable silence, the movie's colors washing over us in the dim room. When I'm certain Olivia won't wake, I carefully lift her, her small body warm against my chest.

"I'll be right back," I murmur to Hailey.

Upstairs, I tuck Olivia into bed, brushing her hair back from her forehead. She doesn't stir. Kissing her temple, I turn on her night light before heading back downstairs.

I find Hailey in the kitchen, loading the last of our dishes from dinner into the dishwasher.

"You don't have to do that," I say.

She shrugs. "Force of habit. My Granma always said never leave a mess in someone else's kitchen."

"Your granma sounds wise."

"She was." Hailey's smile turns wistful. "She would have liked you."

The past tense hits me. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

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