Page 120 of Paper Hearts

WHEN HE MET HIS DAUGHTER

It’s five in the morning when I sneak into bed with Eddie. She’s curled up in my old room, sound asleep with a peaceful look on her face. I stare at the moving curtain, wondering what Ender’s thinking. He’s in his old room, getting some sleep. Or at least he said he would.

Myles took Theo to the ER and dropped him off. Lana left. I don’t know where she went, but I imagine she has some thinking to do.

As I drift off to sleep, my heart aches for Ender, and me, and Eddie in some ways. I wish she knew a better side of her grandfathers, instead of two men who couldn’t put aside their own indifferences to let her in.

I ache for what Ender and I could have been without outside influences.

I hurt for the time wasted.

Eddie rolls over in the bed, her arms around my neck, and I smile, pressing my lips to her forehead. She smells like cake and I bet she has it all over her. Brushing her curls from her face, I stare at her in the pale light streaming in. “I love you,” I whisper softly.

I don’t know where the next few days are going to take us, but I pray I’m doing right by this little girl. I never want her to experience an ounce of pain her father has endured at the hands of his parents.

* * *

“Mama!”Eddie yells, jumping on the bed with a grunt.

I peek one eye open to see Eddie dressed in her bathing suit, waving a towel around.

“Gets up,” she whines and slaps the towel to my head.

It snaps me in the eye, and I roll onto my back, clutching my face. “Eddie, stop, honey.”

Mom rushes in, laughing. “You can get some sleep, honey.” She lifts Eddie into her arms when I sit up. “I’ll take her swimming.”

“No,” I rush to say. I barely spent any time with her yesterday and all last week I was in New York. I’m dying to be near her. “I’ll take her. Just let me take a quick shower.”

Mom gives me a sympathetic smile. “I’ll feed this little crazy.”

“No!” Eddie wiggles, trying to free herself. “Swims first. Food later.”

I swing my legs around the side of the bed, the wood floor creaking as I stand. “Give me five minutes, E,” I say as I pass by her, ruffling her hair.

“Fine.” Eddie scowls, pushing dark curls from her face. “Fives minutes only.” She holds her hand up in my face. “Imma count.”

And she will knowing her.

I take the fastest shower ever, throw on my bikini, grab a towel, lather Eddie in sun block, then take her outside. I don’t know if Ender is out there, if he’s still sleeping, or if he’s left.

My mom catches me as Eddie slips her sandals on. “What happened over there? Justin said there was a fight.”

I push out a heavy sigh. “Ender and Theo.”

Her eyes widen.

“It’s fine. I think Ender is still at the house with Myles.”

“Does he know?” Her eyes drift to Eddie who’s now making a plan with Ben who has his swim shorts on.

My eyes drift to Eddie and I nod. “He does.”

“I tolds you.” Eddie sighs when Ben gets in her face, as if having a conversation with a three-year-old is not on her agenda. “I’m goin’ swimmin’.”

“Ben.” Brenna comes around the corner with Harper. “You need your shoes.”

He tosses himself on the ground and Eddie takes off out the back door. Thankfully Mom stops her and we walk out together. She has no fear, and though she can swim, she will get in over her head before you know it.

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