Page 54 of Paper Flowers (Stonebrook #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

LUKE

I had a rough time sleeping last night. Tossing, turning, checking my phone. It felt like I was going backwards. I woke up with this pit in my stomach. I missed Dayna. I know Sadie missed her too.

Sadie is asleep next to me, something that hasn’t happened in months.

She must’ve felt it too, the shift in the air, the way our home was missing something.

Or someone. I slip out of bed, walk to my closet, and retrieve the house key I had made for Dayna.

It’s still tied with the pink ribbon I picked out at the hardware store.

I rub my thumb over the ridges, taking a deep breath.

It’s time to talk to Sadie. Like the last two big conversations I’ve had with her, I’m a nervous wreck.

I sit back on the bed just as Sadie starts to stir. She stretches, her eyes fluttering open, and I give her a soft smile before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“Morning, Sadie Girl.”

She blinks, still waking up. “Morning, Daddy. Is Dayna here yet?”

“Not yet. But I want to talk to you about her.” I hesitate, running my fingers over the key again. Then, I hand it to her. She sits up, looking at it curiously. “What’s this?” I take a slow breath. “How would you feel if I asked Dayna to move in with us? To be part of our family?”

For a second, she just stares at me. Then— She lunges. Bouncing on the mattress, practically vibrating with excitement.

“SERIOUSLY? Like she can live with us and never has to go back to her house? When is she moving in? Is Aunt Cara moving in too?” I can’t help but laugh. Of course, she asks about Cara. She recently asked if she could call Cara Aunt Cara, and when she did, Cara nearly broke down crying on the spot.

“No, princess, Cara won’t be moving in. But I did make her a key too.” I ruffle her messy hair. “You and I both know she’s family, but she has her own house she loves.” Sadie nods, then looks back at the key in her palm.

“Can I ask her?”

I blink.

“You want to ask her?”

She bounces again. “YES!”

God, I love this kid.

“When were you thinking?”

She grins, eyes twinkling. “TODAY. Today, Daddy! Please!” I laugh, shaking my head. So much for Christmas.

“Alright, alright,” I give in. “How about we set up the Christmas tree first? Then you can wrap the key in the gift box I got, and when everything’s done, you ask her.” Sadie throws her hands in the air. “PERFECT!”

Sadie and I spent the day wrapping gifts for the Andersons and making sure she’s packed for her week away.

The first time she’s been away from me this long since Juliette died.

She’s handling it well. Me? I’m not so sure.

She’s excited— counting down the hours until she sees her grandparents.

Spending time with them, along with her Uncles and their families, will be so good for her.

I’m happy she is surrounded by people who love her unconditionally.

This house is going to feel empty as hell.

Just as we finish, we hear a car door shut.

We turn toward the door at the same time.

I get up, walking over to the window. Sadie squeezes next to me, peeking out.

Dayna looks up from the porch, laughing as she catches us spying.

I open the door and Sadie bolts out, throwing herself into Dayna’s arms. Sadie’s beaming, practically radiating joy.

I’ll be surprised if she makes it to decorating the tree before she bursts.

Dayna stands, stepping onto her toes to give me a soft kiss.

Her hands rest lightly on my chest, and she whispers against my lips.

“Missed you last night.”

God. That makes two of us. Hopefully, last night was the last night apart. Dayna pulls back, brows furrowing. She glances between me and Sadie. “Okay. What are you two up to?” I freeze. Sadie whispers loudly. “Now?” I sigh. Busted.

I nod.

Sadie sprints upstairs. Dayna crosses her arms. “Luke?” I gesture toward the living room. “Just… Come sit down.” I take her hand, leading her to the couch. She sits, fidgeting. I rest a hand on her thigh.

“You’re nervous,” I say.

“You’re acting weird,” she counters.

Fair enough.

“I’m back!” Sadie skids into the room, holding a small sequin purse in her hands. Dayna lifts an eyebrow. “Are we going somewhere?”

“No,” Sadie says, grinning. “I just wanted to give you something.” She hands over the purse.

“Open it.” Sadie says. Dayna hesitates, but unzips the bag. Inside, there’s a small box, wrapped in gingerbread-print paper. She lifts it carefully, cradling it in both hands.

Her breath catches. “Sadie…?”

Sadie climbs onto the couch, curling up beside her. She looks up, eyes shining.

“I love you. My Daddy loves you. We want you to be part of our family. Will you move in with us?”

Dayna’s body stills. Her breathing hitches. Her face flushes, eyes filling with unshed tears. She turns to me, like she needs confirmation that this is real.

“Luke?”

I nod. “Open it, Baby.” Her fingers shake as she unties the ribbon, lifting the lid. Inside— a brass house key, tied with the same pink velvet ribbon.

Her lips part.

Her gaze flicks back up. “Are you sure?” Before I can answer, Sadie throws her hands in the air. “WE ARE SURE!” A choked laugh escapes Dayna’s throat. Then— a whisper.

“Yes.” She blinks rapidly, tears falling down her cheeks. “Yes, I want nothing more than to be here with the two of you.” I pull her into my arms, holding her tight. Sadie cheers.

“When do you want to move in?” I ask as I lean in closer to her.

“Today!” Sadie shouts.

Dayna laughs. “Today sounds like a perfect day to move.”

Sadie bolts for the stairs. “I’LL GET BOXES!” I tighten my hold around Dayna.

“Looks like you’re officially moving into the Beckett household today, Baby.”

Dayna officially moved in this past weekend and put her house on the market. Her realtor said it shouldn’t take long, but we’re in no rush. She even offered most of her furniture to help stage the house— something about it being Pinterest-worthy making it sell faster.

I don’t care how long it takes.

She’s home now.

But right now, I have to survive something much more terrifying than selling a house— singing in front of the entire school.

My class has one more rehearsal before the big show tomorrow morning.

Caleb warned me that Cara takes this program very seriously.

If she’s been at my house every single night talking about it with Dayna, I have no doubt.

Even Sadie and I know to stay clear of the living room.

We literally wait for Dayna to text when it’s safe to come back down.

Now, here I am, standing backstage, regretting every life choice that led me here.

“Alright, Mr. Beckett’s class, you’re up next,” Cara announces, clipboard in hand. “Remember, have fun! If you forget your routine, look in the middle— I’ll be there to guide you.” Dayna gives her a nod and presses play on our class song. Did I mention I have to sing?

Yeah. Me. On stage. With children.

When Cara first asked, I thought she was joking. Then she hit me with the “This is for the children, Luke.” guilt trip. I told her I don’t sing unless it’s in my truck with Sadie. But she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I can’t fucking believe I have to do this.

As Up On The Housetop comes to an end, I breathe a sigh of relief and lead my students off stage. Survived rehearsal. But tomorrow is the real thing.

Back in my classroom, I watch my students grab their lunch pails and water bottles. “Have a great lunch, and I’ll see you in 35 minutes. When you get back, we’ll finish your ornaments and wrap them for tomorrow.” As they file out, I drop into my chair and immediately text Dayna.

I am going to sound like a dying cat up there tomorrow.

Dayna: Luke, no. You’ll blend in with the kids, I promise.

So you agree. I’ll sound like a dying cat.

Dayna: I have… I have a meeting… see you tonight!

I brought this upon myself.

Before I dismiss my class for the day, I hand out the Christmas Program flier reminding them to wear their Sunday best—per Ms. Davis’ very specific instructions.

The wind has picked up outside, swirling leaves around the sidewalk.

My pullover isn’t cutting it. I know now that I’ll have to wear my suit jacket tomorrow.

I was hoping to skip it, but I don’t want Cara telling me I ruined Christmas.

After my students are picked up, I head toward the front office. Sadie already knows to meet Dayna there after school. They’re going to Target for last-minute accessories, and I need to get my hair cut. Mrs. Emily is chatting with Sadie when I walk in.

“Hello, ladies. How was your day today?”

“Mr. Beckett, it was lovely, thank you for asking.”

Sadie’s eyes light up. “I sang with my class, and I can’t wait for you to see me! Do you think Grandma and Grandpa will make it in time?”

“Yes, in fact, I believe they’ll be here when we get to school. So you have nothing to worry about.”

“My grandparents wake up really early. Do you wake up early, Mrs. Emily?”

Mrs. Emily chuckles. “Gosh no. I need my beauty sleep, Sugar Bear.”

I laugh and crouch to kiss Sadie’s head. “Alright, Sadie Girl, I’m going to talk to Dayna.”

Walking into Dayna’s office, she has her back to me. Her dress hugs her body perfectly, and I can’t wait to take it off of her tonight.

“I can feel you staring, Luke.”

“You’ll be feeling more of me later.” I close the door behind me, lowering my voice.

She bites her bottom lip and smirks.

“What time are you leaving?”

“Waiting for Cara, then heading to Target . Sadie wants a new headband for the program. I’ll grab dinner too— anything you want?” She hesitates for half a second.

“Why don’t we let Sadie pick? It’s our last dinner together before she leaves tomorrow.” I notice Dayna’s body stills .

I reach for her hand, squeezing gently. “Hey. It’s going to be okay. Time will fly by, and she’ll be back home before you know it.” She nods but doesn’t look convinced.