Jesse
I open my mouth to ask, but the sliding door slams open and breaks the spell. “You ready, babe? I’m tired,” Xavier calls, as he steps into the living room.
She clears her throat and gets to her feet. Winking at me, she moves again, and I gawk as she wins.
“Gotcha,” she murmurs, and turns with a grin.
A laugh bursts out of me. No one has ever beat me. Not ever. But this little angel just did, an angel dreaming of freedom—something she won’t find in my son’s arms.
Something I wish she would find in mine.
I would let her soar and be free, if only she would be mine.
* * *
It’s in the little things. I have come to care for Kylie. It’s been months now. I honestly didn’t think they would last that long, but we spend more and more time together.
We have movie and game nights, and we
