Page 132 of Paper Hearts

“I know what you mean. He finally opened up a little about it, but I can tell he’s reluctant to talk about it still.”

“I doubt he ever will.”

“True. He said you sent him a letter a while back…”

She laughs. “I did. Didn’t work.”

“I think sending him the book is what really did it. I had no idea writing it would free the both of us.”

“You’re welcome. For sending it that is.” She laughs again. “So… he knows about Eddie?”

“Yep. She met him yesterday.”

“Oh my God, was she excited? What’d he say?”

“It was so weird, A.” I can’t help the smile on my face as I curl into his sweatshirt I stole from his room before I left. “They connected so well, like they’ve always known each other.”

“Probably because they’re like twins.”

She’s right. They are in so many ways.

I can hear Roman yelling something in the background and Arya giggles. “Okay, I have to go fuck my husband now. He’s getting impatient.”

I laugh. “Happy humping.”

As I hang up with her, I watch the storm clouds roll through and the fresh smells of rain approaching. I wait until it begins to fall against the metal roof of the porch.Ting, ting, ting. I hear Eddie before I see her. She’s carrying her blanket in one hand and a stuffed teddy bear in the other. Without words, she kicks open the screen door and finds her way to my lap. Slowly, I rock her in the chair, my lips pressed to the top of her head. She rests her head on my chest and points to the sky. “It’s stormin’, Mama.”

“You’re safe,” I assure her, rubbing her back.

“Where’s Daddy?”

I smile, breathing lightly. “Still sleeping.”

“Can I see him?” she whispers, holding her bear closer.

“You can see him before we leave today.”

She lifts her head, those pretty blue eyes on mine. “Are we goin’ home today?”

“We are.”

She lays her head down, but lifts it again as I continue rocking. “Did you get my cookie?”

“I did. Would you like it?”

Climbing down, she takes her blanket and bear with her. “I wanna share it with Daddy.”

Heart bursting, I look at the rocking chair next to me and lift my phone up. I can text him, can’t I? I mean, we could have coffee on the porch, right? Watch the rain?

And I’m sending a text message before I can stop myself.

Me: Coffee in the rain?

I watch the delivered notification, then soon after, the jumping dots as he replies.

My heart pounds wildly, waiting.

Ender: Be right over.

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