Page 20 of Paper Flowers (Stonebrook #1)

“So it’s settled, we’ll be there next weekend to celebrate our Slim Sadie!” Matt says as the table erupts in laughter. “Grandma, you can meet Mrs. Emily and Ms. Carter!” My heart starts beating harder with Sadie mentioning Dayna again. “I can’t wait!”

Heading inside, Nina calls the grandkids to the kitchen to get their personalized ice cream bowls. I one hundred percent know she got her love for ice cream from her grandmother.

After everyone had their dessert, Sadie fell asleep on the sofa.

Her cousins really tired her out chasing her around.

Once everything was cleaned up from dinner, I picked her up and brought her upstairs to put her in bed.

Now I’m alone in the guest bedroom packing our things to return home tomorrow.

My phone has been on the charger all day since everyone that calls me was here tonight.

I grab it and open my text messages. I tap on Dayna’s thread and type out a new message.

Is it wrong that I am looking forward to going home tomorrow?

Never thought I’d be able to say Stonebrook is home and mean it.

I place my phone beside my duffle bag and continue packing. Nina washed Sadie’s clothes from yesterday. She offered to wash mine, but I said it was okay. I hear the text tone and it’s Dayna.

Dayna: Stonebrook does have a way of making you feel at home. Must be something in the air.

I put my packed duffle bag on the floor and lay on the bed. I can’t help but wonder if it’s the air or is it Dayna?

We’ll be leaving in the morning, if she falls asleep, can I give you a call?

Dayna: Of course you can. Cara is coming over to work on the school’s Fall Carnival posters. I actually have to talk to you about it.

Hopefully I’ll talk to you soon, Good night, Dayna.

Dayna: Good night, L U K E.

Dayna really made sure she didn’t mistakenly text Love like she did the night before.

It felt nice when I read it, but it was an accident and I don’t look too much into it.

With that somber thought I reach for the lamp on the nightstand and shut off the light. I have a long drive back home tomorrow.

The moment before I close my eyes, I hear the bedroom door open and it’s Sadie standing in the doorway.

“What’s the matter, Sadie Girl?” I say as I bring myself upward and lean back on my elbows.

“Can I sleep in here with you?” She asks in a tiny whisper.

I make room on the bed and fluff the pillow I was just on for her.

“Climb up here.” She runs up to the bed and jumps onto it as the duvet billows around us.

With Sadie next to me, I turn my playlist on and have the volume on low. I tell her goodnight and kiss her little forehead before I close my eyes. With the music playing our favorite songs, it lulls us both to sleep.

I have the truck all packed, the playlist is on and we are ready to go. Nina and William are on the porch as they wave goodbye. I have Sadie’s window open so she can wave back.

“Drive Safe, we love you both!”

“We love you too Grandma and Grandpa!”

“We’ll see you guys Friday!”

I put the truck in drive and I pulled onto the road. Sadie and I begin to make our way back to our home. She rolled up her window and said she had fun being with her grandparents.

“Daddy, are you going to call Miss Carter?”

“I’m not sure, do you want me to call her? ”

“Well, I just want to say hi to her and ask if she’s going to come over for my birthday so Grandma can meet her.

” I look back in the rearview mirror and she is staring out the window.

“I think Grandma can meet her and Mrs. Emily at school but if you want to invite her over maybe we can invite some other friends over too. Like Mr. Grant’s family, Ms. Davis and?—”

“What about Mr. Carter?”

Why would she want to have Dean over? He hasn’t even talked to her yet.

“Mr. Carter?” I ask subtly. “He was at pizza night. He was funny and I think he could be your friend. Ms. Carter is your friend, and they used to be married. Kelsey told me they’re not married anymore.

” So playground gossip is a thing now. I need coffee because this is way too much at once.

“Alright, Sadie Girl. I’ll give her a call and you can ask her. Let me just order some coffee first. Do you want some lemonade?”

“Extra ice please!”

As I’m parked in the mobile pick up spot, I text Dayna to ask her before Sadie talks to her. I don’t want to blindside her and make either of them feel bad if she can’t go.

Good morning, Sadie would like to call you and invite you and a few others including Dean to her birthday with my in-laws this Saturday.

I wanted to give you a heads-up. She can be pretty persuasive.

Sadie and I pick up our drinks and we’re back in the truck. I wait a few minutes for Dayna to reply before Siri announces it on the truck’s speaker.

Dayna: Good morning, what an intriguing guest list she has. I’ll be looking forward to her call.

With her reply, I push the call icon. The phone rings a couple times before Dayna answers it. Before she can even say hello, Sadie quickly asks her “Please tell me you can come over for my birthday party next week!” she shrieks.

“I would love to celebrate your birthday with you.”

While the two of them are in deep conversation, I’m looking back at Sadie and her smile is pure happiness. She’s wearing my favorite smile and I love that Dayna can make my little girl this radiant.

My heart begins to sink in my chest as I recognize the same joy in Dayna’s voice, from all those years ago as she talks to my daughter. Sadie cracks a joke and I hear Dayna’s laugh. It tugs on my damaged heart strings and I want to hear it again. God— I am completely fucked.