Page 100 of The Scars We Heal

Isa gave him a light shove. “I have a cardigan to go over the top, don’t worry.”

“You shouldn’t be looking anyway,” Reid’s low voice scolded. His costume was a white button-down with an apron and a chef’s hat.

“Let me guess, Ratatouille?” I laughed.

“Yes!” Isa clapped. “I also like the Bo Peep and her sheep reference.” She bent down to Whitley’s level. “You look very cute, Whit.”

“What do you say, bug?”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks flushed pink, and she shied away, hiding behind me.

“You’ve never been shy before.” I laughed. “What? Don’t like all the attention today?”

She shook her head before running away.

“I’ve got her,” Jake offered, taking off behind my small child.

I flashed him a grateful smile, and Ellison nudged me with her elbow, raising her brows suggestively.

Instead of saying something that would fuel her fire, I just shrugged. “He’s been really helpful with Whit.”

Of course, saying anything would get her going, though.

“Oh, I’m sure he’s been really helpful.” She winked. Then she gave my arm a gentle squeeze. “You seem really happy. I’m glad to see Adam’s bullshit didn’t change that.”

I pursed my lips in a soft smile. “Me, too.”

“All right, who’s ready to trick or treat?” Jake had Whitley hoisted up on his shoulders, and she waved around her basket, nearly smacking Jake upside the head with it. “Whoa there, bug. You just about knocked me out.”

She giggled, but this time when she swung her basket, Jake caught it.

“We’d better get going before the best candy is gone.” Colter clasped his hands together.

“I said the same thing,” I pointed out in agreement, prompting us all to exit the house and pile into our vehicles.

Hayden and Sierra met us in town, dressed up as Hercules and Meg, and our entire posse started walking door to door. We only got weird looks from a few people who probably didn’t understand why a bunch of grown adults were dressed up and escorting a single child through the neighborhood. I’d told everyone they didn’t have to dress up, much less spend their entire evening trick or treating with Whitley, but they all insisted they wanted to come. I was sure most of them would head to the bar after, but it was the thought that counted.

“Whit, go knock on that door and then when they open it you say, ‘Trick or treat!’” Jake pointed to the house in front of us. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Up until this point, Whitley hadn’t been the one knocking on the doors, too shy to do anything but hold my hand and pick out her candy.

She looked up at Jake with wide eyes, and he nodded, encouraging her. She took a few ginger steps up to the front door and tapped on it lightly. A few moments later, it opened to a kind-looking older woman.

“Trick or treat,” she squeaked out.

“My, you look adorable. And look at all your friends who dressed up with you!” She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Here, pick out some candy.”

Whitley gave her a toothy grin and grabbed a couple pieces of candy, tossing them in the pumpkin basket Jake now carried. It had gotten too heavy for her after the first five houses, because people would give her more candy after she politely took only one.

We would be stocked up on candy for weeks, and I’d definitely have to hide it in a cabinet where she couldn’t reach. I was also pretty confident she’d eaten at least six pieces since we started, judging by the chocolate smeared on the sides of her lips.

“Mommy, look at all my candy!” she shrieked, hopping up and down like a mini Energizer Bunny.

“You’ve got so much, bug! Where are we going to put it all?” I pretended to be shocked.

She patted her stomach. “My belly.”

A laugh escaped my lips, and I shook my head. “Not all at once, I hope.”