Page 42 of We Thought We Knew It All
The door opened and an instant smile came to my face as Jamie walked in. He bounded across the room and bent to kiss me.
“Missed you today,” he whispered.
A few weeks ago, I’d have thought it crazy if someone told me that Jamie Daniels was saying that to me, let alone that it was making me happy.
“You have a good day?” he asked.
“The best.”
“It’s all in how you wake up.” He arched a brow, and I laughed.
Making room for him on the couch, I set my computer aside. “How’d things go with Jay?”
“Better than expected.” He settled in next to me. “I think it’s going to be okay.”
A weight lifted off my chest at his words and I leaned into him.
“Is this real life?” I whispered.
His breath was warm on top of my head. “Probably not.”
“Pessimist.”
He chuckled. “That’s ironic coming from you. Does this new version shoot sunshine out of her ass or something?”
The rumbling of an oncoming bus shook the walls like an earthquake foretelling of doom. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Jacks is home.”
“Before he comes in, I have a question.”
“Yeah?”
“Jay seemed to imply there was something you had to tell me. Something big.”
My blood ran cold as I started shaking my head vigorously.
“Cal?”
“No.” I pushed up from the couch. “Jay was wrong.”
“Are you sure?”
“Leave this alone, Jamie.”
Saved by the kid. Jacks burst into the house.
“Hey, kiddo.” I moved in to hug him, trying to block out Jamie’s inquisitive stare.
“Mom,” Jacks stopped me. “You don’t need to hug me every time I get home. I’m nine.”
I smiled indulgently, even as my eyes met Jamie’s, willing him not to put it together. I wasn’t ready for that.
“Of course you are.” I ruffled his hair and took his backpack from him to set it aside.
Jacks ran into the living room, launching himself at Jamie for the hug he’d chastised me for. They sat side by side on the couch and I couldn’t see it. Sometimes I thought there were unmistakable similarities, other times I figured I saw them only because I was looking for them. A trick.
“Do you want a snack?” I asked.
“Yes,” both boys answered together.
