Chantelle wrote down his last quote. “Anything else you’d like to share about it?”
He scratched at his chin. “I think… it’s okay to dream. Sure, sometimes we have to be realistic and take responsibility for what's in front of us, but don’t kill a child’s dream. Amelia dreamed big, and even in her death, she inspired others to do the same.”
Nodding in agreement, Chantelle stopped the recording. “That was incredible.”
“It was your idea.” He smiled.
“I hope I didn’t open an old wound.” She stood to her feet with her phone in hand and walked to her bed.
“You didn’t. Every day gets a little easier.”
She pulled her lips into a thin line. Her father crossed her mind. “I hope so.”
“Thinking about your dad?” Lance asked.
She wouldn’t cry. Despite the time that had passed, he knew that was still a sore spot for her. “A little.”
“I’m here if you ever want to talk.” He raised his free hand in the air. “Judgement free.”
Chantelle gave half a smile. “I’m trying to open up more to my stepdad.”
“He’s not a terrible guy. I can tell he loves your mother.”
She rubbed at her eyebrow. “I know he does. He’s just…”
“Not your dad.”
She bobbed her head. “I only need more time. That’s all.”
Lance rubbed at his chin. “My father won’t even talk about Amelia. One mention of her name and his stare is as cold as ice.”
Chantelle touched her stomach. Her breathing slowed as another memory took over. “Can I ask you something?”
He smiled. “Off the record?”
She returned the gesture. “Yes. Off the record.”
“Sure.”
“What… names did you have in mind?”
Lance squished his eyebrows. Then his eyes widened as if he realized what she was asking. “Chantelle, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She slouched in bed. “I can’t believe I said that.” She covered her face with her free hand. “Never mind. Forget I asked. Let’s talk about—”
“Ciara,” he said.
Chantelle sat up. He was serious. “Ciara? You wanted a girl?”
He bobbed his head.
“I did too. Honestly... I thought about naming her... after your sister.”
Lance’s eyes beamed, but then he looked away. “I have to get up in the morning, so I’ll see you when I get back to Delta Heights.”
“Okay, sure. I hope the meeting goes well.” They needed to hang up.
“Me too. Goodnight, Chantelle.”