Page 125 of The Only Heart that Matters

“You two gonna be okay over here?” I ask Angus, as I run my fingers through Sawyer’s hair.

It’s a beautiful late spring day and we’ve stopped at The Shack to get the boys a sweet treat before I leave them to infiltrate Daisy’s day.

“We’ve got our ice cream and once we’re done, we’ll go for a little stroll. We’ll be more than okay.”

“Thank you,” I say to the man I get to call mine. No more hiding. No more secrets.

The last two weeks of falling asleep in his arms has been a dream come true. A dream marred by the loss of Daisy in my day-to-day life.

“Go get her.”

For the last thirty minutes, I’ve been sitting on the small amphitheater steps with close to fifty of my neighbors, beaming with pride. Daisy and Charlotte are kicking ass. This project is completely pro-bono, but I don’t think they’ve ever worked on anything that means more to them.

They gave a quick presentation outlining their plans and, for the most part, have been fielding questions from those in attendance. Daisy hasn’t acknowledged my existence, but Charlie gave me a wink when I first sat down. She seemsconfident this will work. I sure hope she’s right, because I’m far from certain.

“Thank you all so much for coming today. We promise to take all your concerns into consideration. Your input and your children’s happiness and safety are what’s most important to us,” Daisy says to the crowd, wrapping things up.

I’ve been too chicken to raise my hand to speak, but Charlie remedies that, not letting me squander the reason I’m here. “One sec, Daisy. It looks like we have one more question. You in the blue shirt. Did you have something you wanted to say?”

It’s now or never.

Standing, I breathe deeply and even though she refuses to look at me, I address my best friend. “Um, yes. I just wanted to say, I think what you're doing here is wonderful. I especially love how you're putting the safety and well-being of the children of Goose Hollow first. Because, as any parent will tell you, those things are all that matter.”

Her emotions get the best of her, and she finally looks in my direction. But the moment is fleeting, and she quickly looks away.

“Becoming a parent is one of the scariest things a person can do. When you bring a life into the world, it’s up to you to keep them safe. And that can take on many forms. Physically, of course, but we also have to shelter them from those who might do them mental harm. That might make them feel unwanted or who may bring chaos and scrutiny into their lives.”

A few people have turned around to watch me, confusion in their eyes. Everyone knows Daisy and I are as close as sisters, and this conversation is strange indeed.

“A child's emotional and mental health is equally important, as is their confidence and happiness. The world is tough enough to navigate these days with the internet and those who hide behind keyboards spewing hate. It’s hard for adults to manage,and as parents, it’s our job to make sure we do everything we can to protect our children from that kind of hate, no matter the lengths we have to go to. No matter the sacrifice. I know I would do anything for my little boy. Even if my actions seem extreme to some, in the end all that matters, all that has ever mattered is his well-being. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep him safe.”

Daisy’s eyes meet mine, but her walls are still up, and I can’t tell what she’s thinking.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you to both of you for keeping the children of Goose Hollow safe and for sacrificing your time and energy to make the park a better place for the people in our community.”

There’s a smattering of perplexed applause. Folks are likely wondering what my tangent was all about but feel obliged to clap at the sentiment.

“Thank you, Mia. Daisy and I are happy to work on this project, and as you said, the children of Goose Hollow are our number one priority.” Daisy doesn’t add to her comments and Charlie closes the meeting.

People mill about and speak to Daisy and Charlie one on one, but staying right where I am, I wait until the last person walks away before I approach the girls. Just as I open my mouth to speak, Daisy picks up her things and walks away.

“She’ll come around. I know she will,” Charlie says, sounding certain.

That’s what everyone keeps saying, but I’m not so sure.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Mia

“Buddy, let go of your truck so we can get you in this thing. Help your mama out.”

Sawyer hands me his truck and puts his arm through the strap of his car seat. I snap him in and return his truck. “Thank you.”

My phone pings just as my butt hits the driver's seat. My chest tightens, hoping it’s Daisy. As happy as I always am when his name appears on my phone, I sag in my seat when Angus’s name pops up and not his sister’s. It’s been two days since I pleaded my case during the park meeting.

Angus

Meet me at Knox’s place. I’ll grill and we’ll take the boat out after dinner. Sound good?

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