Page 56 of Halo

I swallow the lump of pride in my throat and force a smile. “Hey, Grady, Mommy's on the phone.”

***

“‘Look at the dinosaurs, big and small, Each one was special. We love them all.’ The end.” I close the book, glancing down at Grady.

He's tucked in tight in my guest bedroom, wearing a pair of dinosaur pajamas I ordered through a same-day delivery app. I've removed anything remotely breakable or hazardous before raiding my own bedroom for enough pillows to cushion him from any middle-of-the-night tumbles.

I think there might be one more in the closet.

Tiffany and I agreed that he would stay with me tonight, and I would take him to school in the morning. We're meeting for breakfast afterward to start putting together a schedule that works for Grady. Today isn't forgotten, but I have a feeling Tiffany is exhausted, and it's forcing her to make poor decisions. I think she's finally realizing she doesn't have to carry all of this by herself. I'm hoping I have earned her trust by now that I'm not leaving. I love Grady, and I want to spend more time with him. I need more time with him.

With his eyes fluttering closed, I carefully slide out of the pillow fort and tip-toe to the door.

“Are you going to work now?” he asks.

“To work? No partner. I'm going to sleep like you.” I smile. “I'll see you in the morning.”

“And you're coming back?”

I freeze. I steady myself against the wall, my heart crushed by his words —rather the fear behind his words. Will you abandon me, too?

I turn around and take a seat on the bed. “Of course, partner. I'll always come back for you.”

“Promise?”

I grin. “I'll do you one better. Have you ever heard of a pinky promise?”

His sleepy face brightens. “Ms. Harrison does those!”

I chuckle. “She does?” Am I really surprised?

“Uh-huh. She says that pinky promises are forever.”

“She's absolutely right. They are forever.”

“Whoa,” he whispers.

“Here.” I scoot closer. “Give me your hand.” I take my fifth finger and wrap it around his tiny pinkie. “I promise that I will always be here for you. And when we're apart, like for school or like when I'm at work, I will always come back for you, partner. I pinky promise.” I squeeze his finger before shaking his hand.

His eyes light up as he gives my hand another little shake before letting go.

I glance around the lifeless dark room when an idea hits me. “Do you want me to stay here tonight?”

He sits up, nodding enthusiastically.

I chuckle. “Scoot over, partner.” I climb into bed, grumbling and moving slowly enough to earn another sleepy laugh from him. After ruffling his hair, I fluff a pillow beneath my head. A comfortable silence settles over the room as the weight of the day finally catches up to me.

“Nick?”

“Yes, Grady?”

“Did you know some dinosaurs slept in groups?”

I yawn. “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh.” He yawns. “Kinda like us.”

My throat tightens. I glance down and take in his features, highlighted by the soft blue glow of the night. I study every sleepy little detail, committing the moment to memory.