Later, we’re all snuggled into our sleeping bags with Reed in the middle. The lights and TV are off because it’s bedtime. The silence doesn’t last five minutes before Reed speaks up.
“Mom? Dad? How come everyone doesn’t have a dad?”
I lift my head to look at him. “What makes you ask that?” I question him.
Brooke lifts her head too, but I can’t tell what she’s thinking because the nightlight is behind her.
“Sadie. She said her daddy lives in a happier place, watching over her. How come? She said that he loves her, but he doesn’t play with her. Why isn’t her dad here to play with her like you play with me?”
My son has left me speechless. Sadie’s father is dead? I couldn’t imagine raising Reed without Brooke. I couldn’t imagine losing her either.
“I know that if her dad could be here to play with her, he would be,” Brooke answers him. Faintly, I wonder if she knew about this. “Sometimes, a mom or a dad can’t be around to play with their child.”
“But why not? Does he go places like Dad for work? Why doesn’t he come visit her then?” Reed peppers us with questions, not grasping that her dad isn’t alive.
“I don’t know. Maybe you should focus on being her friend for now,” she suggests.
He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Dad?”
“Yeah, little man?”
“Do all dads go live somewhere else? Will you ever leave me and Momma like Sadie’s dad did and I won’t ever see you again?”
My heart hurts that he’s thinking these things, and even worse for Sadie and Lexie. If she lost him, no wonder she doesn’t want to date. I don’t know how long ago this happened or anything. Only that he’s no longer here. “No,” I reassure him. “I won’t ever leave you or your mom.”
Part of me feels like I should apologize to Lexie for so blatantly pursuing her when I don’t know her full story. Then again, Tiffany said it had been a while since someone has flirted with her or done something sweet for her. I have a lot of questions, but it’s really none of my business. Maybe Lexie will eventually say yes and I can get to know her, and whatever that entails.
Chapter Seven
Lexie
I lay my head back on the headrest of my chair. I’m tired, hungry, and stressed all at the same time. Is this how people spontaneously combust? My cell phone buzzing on my desk makes me groan in pain. If this is the Steinbergs again, I swear I’m pulling out of the contract.
“Hello?”
“Lexie, it’s Brooke.” She sounds frantic.
“What is it?”
“Reed is sick. The school just called me. I’m stuck in a meeting, and my boss will kill me if I leave right now. Reed’s dad is supposed to be arriving from the airport soon, but I can’t reach him. Could you go get him? Please, I’m begging.”
“It’s fine. I’m about to take lunch. Call the school and let them know I’ll get him. We’ll go to my house. Let his dad know.”
“Listen, when his dad comes over, I’ll explain everything later. I promise. Thank you so much. I owe you big time.”
I’m not sure what she means, but I can’t let a sick kid remain at school. “No problem. I’m on my way.” I hang up and grab my stuff.
When I pull up to the school, I put in the code to let me into the office. Brooke had already called, and Reed is waiting for me. The poor boy. He’s pale, and you can easily see he’s sick. I take his hand and lead him out to my car. I strap him into Sadie’s booster seat, and we head to my house. Reed is usually talking my ear off, and he hasn’t said a word to me yet. Once we get inside the house, he stands by the door.
“Come on, Reed.” I guide him over to the couch and help him take off his coat. “Lie down here, and I’ll turn on SpongeBob. Okay?”
He nods.
I give him an encouraging smile as he curls up under the blanket. I turn on the TV, and I feel his head. He’s very warm. I decide to take his temperature, and call Brooke. She tells me that his dad should be here soon and he’ll take him to the doctor.
“Hey, Reed.” I bend down close to him. “Your dad’s on his way, okay?”
He nods, and I’m afraid that he’s about to cry.