When We Touch

She nods. “And toast and chocolate milk.”

He gives her a little boost, and I know he’ll need help if he’s going to fill that order.

“How was Atlantia?” I say, going to where they stand and holding my hands out to my daughter.

“Good,” she says, looking down at me and not making any moves to enter my arms.

I really laugh then, catching her waist and pulling her to me. “Come here and let Jackson finish your breakfast.”

She makes a little complaining noise, and he smiles down at us. I rise on my toes and kiss his lips before carrying my daughter to the table. A knocking on the side door makes me frown.

“Who’s here at this hour on a Sunday?”

I put my daughter in front of her bake set, and when I open the door, my stomach drops. Outside stands my mother in one of her Sunday suits. Her hand is on her hip, and she isn’t smiling.

“Emberly. I thought I’d find you here.”

I quickly step outside and pull the door shut behind me. “What do you want, Momma?” Welcome is not in my tone.

Her lips pinch. “I see you’re following in your father’s footsteps.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not cheating on anyone.”

“Your father was determined to bring your sister and you into his den of iniquity. You’re doing the same with Coco.”

“It’s not a den of iniquity,” I hiss. “Jackson is making her breakfast.”

“Did you spend the night here?” Her eyes are cold, but I’m not lying or hiding. I never have.

“Yes.” My chin lifts.

“Where did Coco sleep?”

“Jackson fixed up the smaller room with a twin bed and a canopy and mermaids and goldfish and seahorses. She loves it.”

The door behind me cracks open and Coco steps out. “Granny!” She runs forward and hugs my mother’s legs.

Instinctively, I want to snatch my daughter back. My fists clench, and I resist the impulse, allowing her to hug her grandmother. I don’t want to teach her to hate this woman. I want her to make her own decision when she’s old enough.

“Coco, you’re coming home with me,” my mother says.

That, however, is not going to happen. “She is not—” I start.

My daughter cuts me off, “No, Granny! I have to stay in Atlantia!”

“What’s…?” My mother’s eyes flash, but I’m done with this conversation.

“No, Momma. She is not staying with you anymore.”

The door opens a bit wider, and I feel warmth at my back. From the change in my mother’s expression, I know Jackson is behind me.

“Good morning, Marjorie. Everything okay out here?” He puts his hand in mine, and I feel stronger.

Her lips press into a line, and her eyes flash from him to me to Coco. My daughter tugs on Jackson’s arm, and he quickly lifts her onto his hip. I don’t take my eyes off my mother.

“I won’t stand for this, Emberly. I will protect my granddaughter.”

“Are you threatening me, Momma?”