“It hasn’t been long, but there’s something there,” I finally admit.
Grandma’s smile is one I haven’t seen on her in a long time. “You should get home to your girls. I’ll see you back here tomorrow,” she says, dismissing me.
I push out of my chair and kiss her cheek, making sure she has everything before I head out to my truck.
I spend the entire drive back thinking about Chloe and what she’s growing to mean to me. She brings out this feeling I can’t even describe. It’s not just territorial and protective. She’ll do things that make me feel like I’m almost melting. Melting doesn’t even accurately describe the feeling. It’s as though seeing her has every nerve ending on fire while also being doused in water at the same time. I don’t stress about everything as much, I get to focus on her and being present in the moment rather than in my head.
The more I think about the girl with the vibrant blue eyes, silky blonde hair, and an infectious laugh, the more I’m realizing I may have allowed her behind my walls in a way that means she could hurt me, and that’s something I’ve protected myself from for a long time.
THIRTY-FIVE
CHLOE
Spending my entire day not only thinking about Everett, but also worrying about him has my emotions in a scramble. I was the one who said I wanted labels, that I wanted to be exclusive. The giddy feeling that overtook me during that conversation had me using all my strength not to do an excited little dance in the middle of my childhood bedroom.
Then the reality of it all settled in. I feel that seed of fear that I buried days ago crack and a small root peek out of the shell. With that single phone call, I handed Everett the tools to break me if he chooses to.
While that thought was frightening, it was also liberating. I haven’t handed anyone a piece of myself the way I have with Everett. I’ve told him things I haven’t told anyone, and with every secret and piece of myself I’ve handed him, I’ve only felt safe. He sees me in a way that no other person does, not even my best friends, and it’s been this enchanting feeling that’s only made me want to fall further into him.
When Lila and I get home from my parents’, she asks if she can help with dinner. I agree, and we get to work. As I’m pulling the casserole out of the oven, Everett walks in the front door. From the look on his face, I can tell something’s weighing on him, but he heads straight to Lila and hugs her, picking her up as he kisses her cheek, and she snuggles into him.
I lean against the counter, watching them. The way he stands there holding his daughter like the most precious thing in the world fills the room with love. One of my favourite things to see is the two of them together. I’ve watched them, and as much as Lila needs her dad, Everett needs her. He hasn’t said it, but I know she’s his reason for living. Everything he does in life is for his family, but first and foremost that little girl.
Knowing I get to be a part of making sure she has everything she needs and is well loved and taken care of fills me with joy and pride.
Everett’s eyes open and meet mine. My smile takes over my entire face, and he mouthsHeybefore placing another kiss on Lila’s cheek and putting her back on the ground.
“Daddy, Chloe and I made dinner,” Lila says as she slides into her seat at the table.
“Did you? I’m sure it’s amazing.”
I carry the casserole over to the table and grab the salad before taking my seat. Everett joins us and asks Lila, “How was your day, Peanut? I heard you went to Chloe’s parents’.”
She nods as she stabs a tomato with her fork. “Chloe said we couldn’t ride horses because of the rain, but Mimi Maxwell made crafts with me. It was so cool. I painted a cow and dog, and she said I can bring them home the next time I’m at her house.”
Everett raises a brow at me.
“My mom asked her to call her that. She’s not big on the grandma name.”
His hand finds my leg under the table, and he squeezes. “I can’t wait to see what you made, Liles.”
“We’ll go for a ride when it’s not raining. I’m sure Miley would love to see you again,” I tell her.
Lila hops in her seat. “Yay! Can I brush her when it rains?” she asks, and I nod. “I think Miley’s lonely, and I like spending time with her.”
This little girl. Those words tug at my heart.
“Of course, we can brush her when it rains.” I turn to Everett and ask, “How’s your grandma?”
He swallows. “She’s doing okay. She was awake when I left, infact, she kicked me out of her room and sent me home to have dinner with you girls.”
I can tell he’s not telling me everything right now, but with Lila right there, I can’t blame him. He’s doing everything he can to ensure she knows what’s going on so she’s not completely blindsided by everything as it comes up, all while trying to protect her innocence. He’s walking a tightrope and hoping he doesn’t fall, and I only hope that I offer him the support he needs to cross.
I decide to move the conversation on to a lighter topic. “So, my friend Aspen’s engagement party is coming up in a few weeks,” I say.
The sag in Everett’s shoulders is a relief.
“What’s an engagement party?” Lila asks.