“Thank you so much, Mrs. Williams. That really means a lot to us. Carnations are exactly what we had in mind.”
Mrs. Williams shows me her idea and it’s the most beautiful arrangement I’ve ever seen. We talk for a few more minutes as she continues to pull the flowers she’ll need out of the cooler. She comes around the counter and pulls me into a tight embrace.
“Your aunt was very proud of the two of you, and she loved you both so much. Always remember that, and don’t ever let it go.”
“She sure did, and we’re so lucky to have had her. Thanks for everything, Mrs. Williams. We really appreciate this.”
“You’re welcome, dear.”
We say our goodbyes and I quickly get back into the car and check the time. Lucy should be back from her swim class. Picking up my cell, I dial Erin’s number and listen for the ring tone. Erin is my neighbor and one of my best friends back home. We met in school and she’s always been there for Lucy and me.
Much like now.
I didn’t want to tear Lucy away from her daily routine nor was I ready for her to experience such a painful event, so Erin offered to keep her for me while I was gone. Expecting Erin to answer, I’m surprised when the sweetest little voice in the world greets me.
“Mommy!” my precious angel screams.
“Hey, sweetheart! How’s my girl?”
“Good, Mommy, but I miss you.”
My heart constricts listening to her as I agonize over the fact that when she does get here, I will be introducing her to a man she doesn’t even know exists. Pulling my mind away from that thought, I focus entirely on my sweet little girl.
“I miss you too, baby girl, but Uncle Adam will be there in a few days and he’ll bring you to visit me.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see him! I have to show him the new back stroke that Erin taught me,” she squeals with delight.
“He’s going to love to see that, baby. Honey, Mommy has some things to finish up here, so I’ll call you before you go to bed, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. Bye.”
I miss my Lucy so much. For the past six years, that little girl has been my life. I feel empty without her, a deep hollowness in my belly when she isn’t around. She’s amazing, my little water baby with so much love in her heart. She’s always happy and dreams so big even at a young age.
Several months ago, she expressed how badly she wanted to go to swim camp. She’s always loved the water and has been determined to be the best little swimmer she can be. I love watching her swim, love seeing how free and natural she becomes when her toes touch the water.
My little dolphin.
Before I leave, I need to go to the surf shop and get her a new bathing suit. She’ll totally love it.
I pull up to the movie rental kiosk about a block away from the house and look through the selection. I decide on two action movies knowing they’re a safe choice and head back to the house. Pulling into the garage, I grab the movies and make my way into the house.
Adam is just finishing up making some sandwiches. We turn on the television and ‘eenie meenie miny mo’ between the movies. Once our childish game makes the selection for us, we pop it in and relax.
Halfway through the movie we find ourselves making fun of how outlandish it is and laughing harder than we have in days, maybe longer. The air in the room is light, our sadness evaporating with each giggle or snort. Adam does a ridiculous impersonation and I grab my stomach, laughing so hard it hurts as I fall to the floor. Suddenly, the doorbell rings, startling us both.
“Who in the hell could that be this late at night?” frowns Adam, cutting me a glance. The hair on the back of my neck swiftly stands on end and goose bumps cover my body. I instantly sober, knowing who it is without having to answer at the door.
“Luke,” I mutter under my breath. I jump up and run to the top of the stairs as Adam goes to the door, wanting to hide. I position myself against the wall, completely out of sight but still able to hear their conversation.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Adam asks, his tone threatening, the fun we were having just moments before disappearing as if it never happened at all.
“I need to talk to her, Adam.”
At the sound of his deep, sexy voice, my body starts to tremble and I feel hot. Is it fear? Lust? Anxiety? A mixture of all three? I’m not sure, but I don’t want to think about it either. I just want him gone.
“Oh, no you don’t, you son of a bitch. You stay the hell away from her. I’m not going to let Shayne get hurt because of you.”
From the escalated boom in Adam’s voice I can tell that more than angry words are going to be thrown at each other if I don’t intercede, so I make my way down the stairs with my head held high and determination coursing through my veins. I will not let Luke’s presence affect me.