Page 3 of The Love Comeback
“Right…” He eyes me, and I hate the sympathy in his irises. He has no idea how hard it’s been, but I wouldn’t change it.
Well, Iwouldchange the car crash, and I think about that often, but as far as everything else goes…
No.
I love my life, and even though caring for Colton comes with its own challenges, he’s given my life purpose. And I like to think I’m making my sister proud.
“And where’s … what’s-his-face?” Kade pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Landon?” I furrow my brow. “We didn’t work out.”
“You married him,” Kade says flatly.
“And it didn’t work out,” I repeat, not really in the mood to try to explain how Landon couldn’t handle the pressure of becoming a parent, so he left.
My gaze jumps to Colton. The divorce was painful not just for me, but forhim, too. Landon chose not to stay in Colton’s life. So…
It’s just us.
I wave a hand. “But there’s no need to talk about any of that.”
“Okay, well … how’s your mom?”
“She’s doing … about as good as she can,” I relent. Kade knows my mother well. We were together when she got her early-onset dementia diagnosis our senior year. “Her memory has gotten worse.”
“Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that.” He shakes his head. “Is she still living back home?”
“No, actually.” I think back to how difficult the past year with my mom has been. She still has good days, where she remembers my name and asks about Colton. But last year, she wandered out of the house in the middle of the night. “The doctor recommended 24/7 care about a year ago, so she’s been living at a memory care facility here in Atlanta. It’s why Colton and I moved here—to be closer to her.”
It’s not at all what I pictured for my mom, but it’s what she needs. She’s safe, with around-the-clock care—plus, they let her garden, which she loves. And her caretaker, Chandra, is amazing; I trust her with my mom.
“You’ve been through a lot, El.” Kade’s voice is soft as it cuts through my thoughts, his gaze holding a mix of empathy andguilt. “And it sounds like you’ve been handling everything on your own.”
The weight of all the responsibilities I carry hits me like a ton of bricks as Kade’s concerned gaze lingers on me. Despite my best efforts to put on a brave face for Colton, the reality of managing everything alone gnaws at me sometimes. From juggling work and taking care of my mother’s needs to being the sole guardian for Colton—it can be overwhelming. I don’t have any help from my dad—he left when I was just a baby—or from Brett’s parents, since they live across the country.
But before I can say anything in response, Colton spins around. “You know, I really want to play hockey, but Ella says I need to learn how to skate first.”
Kade’s brows raise. “I know a guy who can help.”
Wait, what?
“I’d be more than happy to give you some skating lessons. It would be a great excuse to catch up with you guys,” he adds, eyeing me.
“Um…” I start.
“Yes!”Colton cheers, then turns to me. “Please? I want thissobad.”
I sigh, raking my fingers through my hair. “How much?”
“Huh?” Kade looks confused. “We could do lessons maybe … twice a week? After school, at the practice rink?”
“I meant, how much will it cost?” I ask, already wary of the way Kade’s mouth is peeling upward into a grin.
“Free.”
Chapter Two
Kade
