Page 55 of Stolen Fate

Not in a long time, I didn’t say. “I don’t live with my daddy anymore.”

“He lives in Boston,” Elliot said with a smile. He seemed proud of himself for remembering that. I had told him a little about my family when he asked, and I hadn’t thought he would remember. But kids pay attention to everything you say and do, and it would be wise of me to remember that, especially with a kid as perceptive as Elliot.

“Yes, he lives in Boston.”

He looked a little sad about that. I moved my finger to his chin. “Do you miss him?” he asked.

“Sometimes.”

“Sometimes, when Daddy has to go on an airplane for work, I miss him. I sometimes cry.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” I pulled him close to me. Jace said Elliot had separation anxiety, and though I hadn’t witnessed it firsthand yet, it didn’t mean it was gone. “You know your dad will always come back to you, right?”

He nodded, but I didn’t think he understood. How could he? He was just a little boy. The thought made me feel angry with his mother.

Elliot had never once mentioned her, though I knew she was alive. How could any woman leave their kid like that?

Especially one like Elliot.

“Why don’t you change your clothes? Your dad might be done packing for the picnic already,” I said to distract myself from how I was feeling, and his eyes brightened.

I watched him closely as he took off his jacket. Then his clip-on tie. I picked up the clothes he threw on the floor and hung them on the hook by his door.

When I looked back, Elliot was frowning, and he was only able to unbutton three of his buttons.

I stood there and waited for him to ask for help. He had to learn to ask when he needed it, and he had to learn there was nothing wrong with asking.

And sure enough, after the third attempt to get to the fourth button, he let out a frustrated sigh and a pout before walking over to me. I waited.

“Can you please help me unbutton my shirt, Evelyn?” he asked.

I smiled and bent down. “Of course, sweetheart.”

I would do almost anything for him.

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