Page 32 of Chasing Shelter

“What are those?” my daughter asked, fascinated.

“Basically, inside-out braids.”

“So. Freaking. Cool!” Keely cheered.

Ellie laughed. “What are you two up to tonight?”

Keely jumped as if just remembering what was in her hand. “I made this for you!”

Ellie looked down at the glitter-infested construction paper creation. “You did?”

Keely nodded and handed it to her.

As Ellie read the words I’d helped Keely spell, her eyes got a little misty.

Thanks for making me spunktacular! I love you!

“I love you, too, bestie. And anytime.”

“We also wanted you to come to dinner,” Keely said. “Dad’s making chicken veggie stir-fry, and it’s fire!”

Ellie’s brows drew together as she turned to me. “Fire?”

“Apparently, it’s a compliment,” I said, one corner of my mouth kicking up.

“Gotcha.” Ellie toed at a pebble with her sneaker. “I, um, I actually don’t eat meat.”

“You can just have vegestables. Right, Daddy?” Keely offered.

“She’s right. I cook them separately anyway.” It was the last thing I should’ve said. I should’ve told Keely no when she asked if we could invite Ellie for dinner. But Ellie’s face from earlier today had flashed in my mind. How she’d seemed somewhat alone in all she was dealing with, even with her brother in town. So, I’d found myself agreeing.

Ellie’s gaze lifted to my face. “You don’t think that’s weird?”

“Why would I? As long as you don’t try to steal my cheeseburgers.”

Her lips twitched as she lifted a hand into a sort of Boy Scout salute. “I solemnly swear.”

“Then come on,” I said with a wave.

“Okay, just let me lock up.” Ellie jogged for the front door as Keely and I watched.

“Daddy, she issooooopretty,” Keely whispered.

I hadn’t missed that fact, but I didn’t need my daughter reminding me. “Mm-hmm.”

“Even her sweats are pretty.”

That had me chuckling because, with their bright and shimmery design, Ellie’s sweats could’ve easily been found in a kids’ store. “You should tell her.”

Keely’s cheeks heated. “She might think I’m silly.”

My gut churned. I knew where that doubt came from. Keely’s mom didn’t have time for the more fanciful stuff Keely was into, and it left my girl uncertain and doubting. It made me want to rage. Instead, I took a deep breath and crouched low.

“Would it make you happy if someone told you they loved your outfit?”

Keely nibbled on her bottom lip but nodded.

“We should always shout out the good in others,” I encouraged.

---