Page 65 of The Fragile Ones

Katie shed her jacket and went to the counter. “He couldn’t stay?”

“No, he said something about a Homeowners’ Association meeting at the golf course.”

“Of course.”

There was a small box on the counter with a card. Katie read her uncle’s neat print.

Happy Birthday, Katie,

You’ve been the sweetest addition to my life as my niece. I loved your parents more than you know, but I cannot imagine my life without you. Enjoy your birthday and every day to follow with love, courage, and happiness.

With love always,

Uncle Wayne

“Oh,” she managed to say, as her eyes welled up. Since she lost her parents, her uncle and aunt had been her only family. The tragic murder of her aunt earlier that year had made her realize even more how fragile life was, and her uncle’s love meant more than he would ever know.

“You okay?” he said.

“Yeah, everyone sees him as the tough sheriff, but he’s still my uncle.” She picked up the box and opened it, gasping in surprise. Inside was the gold necklace that her aunt had always worn—but her uncle had added a German shepherd charm.

“Nice.”

“He’s so thoughtful.” Katie put the necklace on and took a moment to remember her aunt.

“Okay,” said Chad and he clapped his hands. He went into the kitchen dramatically, where there was a plate covered with a silver lid. “Why, what do we have here?”

“What are you doing?” she said, smiling at his silly performance.

“I was thinking that we could go out to dinner, but that’s so boring and predictable. So…I decided to surprise you with your favorite meal of all time.”

“My favorite meal?”

“Yes,” he said and put the dish down in front of her. “I remember this well. You told me it was your favorite.” He dramatically removed the cover to reveal two peanut butter and banana sandwiches with corn chips. “Tada!”

“PB and banana.” She laughed. “I told you that was my favorite meal when I wasthirteen.”

“And now?”

“Okay, I still love it.” She grabbed half a sandwich and began eating. “That’s still so good. I haven’t had one of these in a long time.”

Chad went into the kitchen to open a bottle of wine.

“I’m going to change, is that okay?” She went to her bedroom with Cisco in tow. The dog seemed more clingy than usual.

“As long as you’re still going to be Katie when you get back,” he called, accompanied by the pop of a cork.

Katie quickly changed from her work suit into comfortable sweats and hoodie. She found some thick socks and was about to leave the room when she stopped for a moment to look at a photograph of her parents.

“I love you, Mom, Dad,” she whispered. “Let’s go, Cisco.” She flipped off the light.

Katie returned to the kitchen but Chad wasn’t there. She saw the sliding door was open and could see him sitting on the swing on the deck, even though it was chilly.

She grabbed a blanket off the couch, wrapped it around her and joined him.

Cisco wasn’t going to be left out and ran outside doing his rounds before quietly taking position on the deck near Katie.

It was cool but being outside was worth it, the best relaxation possible. She snuggled up against Chad as they drank wine and enjoyed the evening.