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I’ve known Cain since he was an angsty high schooler who hated us all. To say that he’s grown is an understatement. He’s a dad. Through and through. It’s honestly kind of cute, and it’s a reminder that anyone can be the kind of parent a kid needs. He comes into my store all the time to get the candles and soaps that Eric loves. Every time, Eric is so happy to spend time with him.
I may not have kids, but I know when they’re well taken care of. And Eric is. There is no better place for him to be than with Cain.
Sincerely, Jade Clark
To Judge Marlon,
I’m currently Eric’s teacher in kindergarten and have also known Cain since high school. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw I would be teaching the boy Cain is raising, but I can’t lie and say I was excited. Once upon a time, Cain was a very difficult man to get along with. I expected the same from Eric.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. Eric is bright, kind, and so willing to learn. He’s progressed more than any other student in my class, and not just because of his own dedication. Cain has been willing to doanythingfor Eric since day one. That includes talking to moms he doesn’t get along with. Volunteering for events when he doesn’t have the time. Eric has done everything a child can do and more with Cain helping him every step of the way.
I urge you to consider this in your decision. In all the ways that matter, Cain is Eric’s father.
Sincerely, Nicole Rudder
“Wha—I don’t understand. Nicole hates me.”
“She changed her mind.”
“How?”
Mollie stepped forward and pulled out another letter.
“This is how.”
Dear Cain,
I would say this myself, but Mollie warned me you might still be angry and need space. She’s a real voice of reason! Though, I couldn’t let myself not say anything to you, even if it’s a letter.
I’m sorry I said what I did. I shouldn’t have gone to Facebook with your information. To me, we’re all a family. I want us all to talk about everything, but Mollie made me see that what I want isn’t what everyone else wants. That means respecting each other’s boundaries.
And beyond that, I had the wrong idea about you. Apparently, you protected Jackie when she needed it (and no, that will not be in the Facebook group!) and you also make her smile. For that, I owe you a thank you. And an apology.
It’s clear to me that you’re a key part of this town. And I wish I hadn’t made you feel excluded. I hope seeing that everyone can see sense and help you is enough to prove that you arewelcomehere. Even when you’re kind of a jerk!
Love, Kerry.
PS: I sent my letter directly to the judge. It’s more of what you’ve already read, but it’s really shitting on whatever guy is coming after Eric. Did you know he littered?!?!?! Heard it from Mark. I hope you beat his ass in court. (And in real life? Is that illegal to say?)
“Cain,” Mollie asked gently. “Are you okay?”
I flipped through the rest of the letters with shaking hands. “Everyone is here. Everyone wrote one.”
“Yes. They did. It took all night, and Kerry wrangling some people into shape, but they all care.”
“You and Kerry spent all night getting these?”
“Jackie and Tammy too. Though they crashed about halfway through and are probably still asleep. I imagine the Facebook group is mad that the diner’s closed, but they can deal.”
I wanted to answer, but all I could do was put the papers down on the couch and pull her into the tightest hug of my life.
“Whoa!” she said. “Is this a good hug or a strangling hug? Because?—”
“Mollie.” My voice was shaky. “I don’t deserve you.”
She was finally quiet, and her hands moved to rest on my back. “Actually, you do. Or did you forget you drove three hours just in case I needed you?”
“It’s not enough. You did all of this, even after I was mad at you.”