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He gave a surprised laugh and patted her back. “I still have to get clearance from the center, but it’s a go if we do.”
“Well, call them right now,” Carly said. “We have a phone, you know.”
“Carly . . .” Anita said in a warning tone.
But she just grinned and ran toward the house. “I’m going to look for the suitcase.”
Anita set her hands on her hips as she watched her daughter go. “This trip might be more than you’re bargaining for.”
“I’ll take that chance,” Wyatt said, his eyes smiling. “I think I will call right now if you don’t mind me borrowing your phone.”
“I don’t mind.”
Twenty minutes later, they had the beginnings of a road trip plan in place. Wyatt had received permission from the center to pack up his grandfather, and of course Mr. Davis was on board. Now, Anita just had to make lists of the to-dos to get ready for the trip. Carly had her bedroom in disarray as she tried to decide what to pack.
“It’s only two nights,” Anita told her when she came out of her bedroom for the tenth time to ask a question, Sassy trailing behind her.
Anita and Wyatt were sitting at the kitchen table, writing down details.
“Will there be a pool at the hotel?” Carly asked, looking between the two of them.
“I don’t know because Wyatt hasn’t called to book one yet.”
“I’ll get on that as soon as possible,” he said with a chuckle.
Carly scrunched her face, then disappeared back into her bedroom.
“Sorry.” Anita winced. “She’s excited, to say the least. It’s a good distraction for her, though, after the disappointment from her dad.”
Wyatt’s brows furrowed. “What disappointment?”
“Oh, uh...” Anita exhaled. “This morning Bobby called early and canceled. Said he was leaving town for work, but...I think that’s just an excuse.”
Wyatt’s jaw clenched. “He couldn’t wait one more day?”
“That’s what I asked.” Anita lifted a shoulder. “I can’t control his actions, and I’ll go crazy if I try. Carly is actually doing pretty okay with it. Better than me.”
Wyatt covered her hand with his own. “I’m sorry he did that to you, to the both of you. He’s missing out on a great kid.”
Tears pricked, and Anita blinked them away. “Thanks, Wyatt,” she said in a quiet voice. “You showing up here today of all days was kind of fortuitous.”
He tightened his hold on her hand, and she appreciated the touch, the connection. “I’m glad everything is coming together, then.”
She nodded, but didn’t say anything.
“She’ll be all right, Anita,” Wyatt continued. “Carly’s a great girl who has an amazing mom. You’ve been there for her through everything, and you need to be kinder to yourself.”
“To myself?”
“Yeah, you’re too hard on yourself,” Wyatt said, his thumb tracing over her hand. “From where I’m sitting, you’ve provided your daughter a safe and loving home. She’s talented, intelligent, and has a good heart. Just like her mom.”
She stared at him for a moment.
“It’s okay to accept a compliment,” he said, the edge of his mouth lifting. “Just say thank you.”
Anita smiled. “Thank you.” Then she leaned forward and hugged him. It was just a hug—a friendship hug—but something deep inside of her wished it were more.
“Meow,” Sassy interrupted.
