Page 77 of Worth the Want

“I love it when she’s here,” she says, coloring.

“Yeah? I do too.”

“She can live here. She could sleep in my room.” I grin. If Indie lived here, it wouldn’t be Hazel’s room she slept in, but I’m still surprised by her generous offer.

“You would share your princess bed?”

“Mm-hmm and my stuffies and my pillows.”

“That’s pretty special.”

“Yes. Indie is special.”

“She thinks the same about you.” She looks up at me, smiling widely at that.

After we eat our dinner and get changed for bed, we lie on the couch, watching a movie. Hazel curls into me, wearing the nightgown Indiana got her for her birthday yet again. When I feel my daughter's tiny body go slack, I wait for a few minutes before moving her to bed. I stroke her hair and soak in the moment. She will always be the center of my world, and I’ll always do what’s best for her.

I must be getting sentimental in my old age. Turning forty-two at the end of the week has really been weighing on me. Not because of my age, but it makes me think about Indiana’s. She’s still so young. She seems happy to be with me here now, but what about in ten years? Does she want more kids? Do I wantmore kids? Kids with Indie, a sibling for Hazel? Yeah, I think I would like that.

Scrubbing a hand down my face, I lift Hazel up and carry her to bed. I switch her salt lamp on and give her a kiss on the head, then step into the hallway. The house is quiet now, and the calm that I typically crave is replaced by wishing there was a five foot nothing brunette here, telling me about a podcast episode or the book she’s reading. It’s been one day, and I’m wishing Indie was here to help me put Hazey to bed and then have a drink out by the fire with me.

I grab my phone. Would it be pathetic to call her? Maybe send her a text? I decide I don’t care.

I press the little phone by the picture of her and Hazel on the dock. It rings for half a second before I hang up.It’s been one day, Knox. Fuck, why did I do that?

I scrub a hand down my face when it starts vibrating in my hand.Indie.

“Hello?”

“Hi. Did you just call me?”So it went through.

“Uh, I don’t think so.”Why am I nervous, and why am I lying?

“Oh. Okay. It says I have a missed call from you, but it didn’t even ring. Anyway, sorry for bothering you.” I scratch at my neck. Now she thinks she’s botheringme.

“Actually. I did call you,” I blurt.

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m glad you did,” she tells me and I can almost hear the smile in her voice.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I…I missed you and Hazel today. Can I tell you that without sounding needy?” She laughs at herself.

“I like you needy, Honey,” I tell her honestly.

She huffs a laugh. “Are you flirting with me again?”

“If I am?”

She sighs. “If you are…it’s working.” My chest warms, and my lips stretch into a smile. I’ve never been good at flirting; for most of my life, I just didn’t do it. But it’s as easy as breathing with Indie. It’s my natural reaction to her.

“Good to know.”

“Are you smiling right now?” she asks.