Page 46 of The Secret We Keep
“I know,” she says. “But that still doesn’t mean it’s okay to swear in front of me.”
My eyes widen Paddy’s way. I see him look at me for backup. He won’t get it. “She’s right.”
“Okay, girls, I’m sorry.” Then he mutters under his breath. “I bet you made a killing off your dad.”
“You should be sorry.Grandmawill string you up if she finds out you’ve been swearing in front of me.”
“So don’t tell her,” Paddy replies.
Evie moves some of the loose strands of her hair off her face. “You want me to lie?”
Honestly, the way these two talk has my heart singing. I feel like a massive intruder, but I find the good-natured way they tease each other and the sincere conversation deeply comforting. It’s sweet.
Paddy’s feet stop. “No, I’m just saying don’t tell her. No lying involved.”
“Like a white lie?” Evie asks, sounding unsure.
Paddy takes a breath. “Um, no, kiddo. A white lie is different.” We continue walking. “A white lie is something you tell when you don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings.” Evie remains quiet. “It’s like telling Grandma Siobhan her casserole is the best you’ve ever tasted, when actually it’s mine. You wouldn’t want to upset her by telling her the truth.”
“But that wouldn’t be a lie. Idolike her casserole more than yours.”
Paddy jolts her in his arms. “Thanks, kiddo. So glad you’re here.”
We take a few more steps, heading back in the direction of home.
“Is it forever?”
“Is what?” Paddy asks Evie, looking over his shoulder at her.
“Do I have to live here forever now?”
There’s a pang in my chest. A knock that makes my feet falter. I sense Paddy’s hesitation when I look up at him, noticing the way his lips pull tight.
He drops his chin to his chest. “It’s what your dad thought was best.”
I don’t want to pry on such an intimate conversation. Looking away, I try my best to walk slower to give them some privacy.
“He always knew what was best, didn’t he?”
In the corner of my eye, I see Paddy’s hold on Evie loosen. She slides down his back, and he turns to face her. “I know it’s shit, I mean, rubbish, but,” he shakes his head, pain written all over his expression, “you’re going to be okay.”
Evie takes Paddy in before she closes her eyes. I watch a single tear hit her cheek, leaving a wet track on her face. Every part of me wants to reach out and comfort her, but I’m hesitant. She doesn’t know me. I don’t want to frighten her when she clearly needs someone she knows and who loves her to make her feel safe.
Paddy doesn’t waste any time. Taking her hand in his, they hold each other’s gaze, eyes misty and tender. They have a conversation without uttering a single word. It’s beautiful.
Paddy eventually winks at her, and Evie nods back, mutual understanding running between them. “We’re going to be okay, kiddo.”
Her eyes press together. “Pinky promise?” She wipes away another stray tear before holding up her free hand to Paddy.
He sighs heavily before letting her other hand go and linking his little finger with hers. “Pinky promise.” Then he pulls her into him and kisses the top of her head. “Now, you think you can walk for a bit?”
Evie nods, and with a sniff, she asks, “Can I carry Kevin?”
Paddy turns his attention to me, and I unravel my arms, passing the pup to Evie. “Be my guest.”
She takes him in, snuggling her nose into his fur. Without another word, she walks ahead of us.
“That was very sweet,” I say when I know she’s out of earshot.
