Page 98 of The Scars We Heal

“I love this song!” Caitlin giggled as I turned it up then reached out to take one of her hands and one of Whitley’s.

The aroma of homemade pizza and chocolate chip cookies filled the air as we had our very own dance party, right there in the guest house kitchen.

I spun Whitley around then hoisted her up on my shoulders, holding her hands as I swayed my hips to the beat. At the sight of us together, Caitlin stifled a laugh with her hand then pulled out her phone, then the polaroid camera I’d gotten for her the bucket list, to snap a few pictures.

This was exactly what I wanted the guest house to be used for. Nights filled with laughter, love, and making memories.

How fortunate was I to get to make them with two of my favorite girls in the entire world?

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

caitlin

Are you almost ready? We’re going to be late if you don’t come out!” I sing-songed to the closed bedroom door.

“I look ridiculous,” Jake grumbled.

“It’s Halloween. Everyone looks ridiculous,” I pointed out. Apparently, it was time to pull out the big guns. “Do it for Whit.”

A heavy sigh told me I’d won the discussion, and I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth to suppress a smile. However, I still made a small fist pump at my victory. From the stories I heard from Ellison and Isa, Jake was not a fan of Halloween. He never dressed up, which I found funny, considering he was one of the wildest of the bunch behind Mikey.

My costume was admittedly more casual than Jake’s. I wore a white maxi skirt with a blue puffy-sleeved top. My hair was partially tied back with a bow. The only item that made this outfit look more like a costume was the pink shepherd’s hook I’d made with a hollow Christmas candy cane lawn decoration I’d found at the dollar store.

I spent the last few nights after getting home from work making Whitley’s costume. It was a fairly easy concept, but executing it with a mischievous child was a lot harder in practice. At least she’d be warm tonight. Her costume—a sheep—was black leggings, and a black long-sleeve with the body covered in cotton balls. I’d also made a little headband for her with black ears and more cotton balls.

“Are you dressed yet?” I tapped my foot against the hardwood floor.

The bedroom door squeaked as Jake reluctantly stepped out.

I had to purse my lips to stop myself from bursting into laughter. For someone who hated Halloween, Jake really went all out.

He wore a yellow button-down with a type of checkered pattern, denim jeans that were tucked into brown cowboy boots, and a brown cowboy hat, but the pieces of the outfit that gave his costume away were the cow print vest, Sheriff’s badge, and red bandana tied around his neck.

“Can I untuck my boots, please? I look ridiculous.”

“No, you have to keep them tucked or everyone is going to think you’re just a regular cowboy.” I snickered.

He rolled his eyes. “Doubtful.”

“Ah, c’mon, Woody, have some Halloween spirit,” I teased, meeting him in the doorway to straighten his bandana. Leaning forward, I whispered in his ear, “If you go through with this, maybe you’ll get lucky and I’ll wear that cowboy hat tonight. Just the cowboy hat.”

A low groan rose from his throat, and I backed up before he could grab my waist, giving his chest a pat.

“Such a tease,” he muttered.

“Come on. If we don’t get going, all the good candy will be taken.” Raising my voice, I called for Whitley. “Let’s go, bug! We need to meet up with Uncle Colt and Auntie Ell!”

Thundering feet echoed through the house as Whit ran down the hallway with her giant jack-o’-lantern basket in hand.

The moment she got to us, she stopped in her tracks to point at Jake and laugh at him.

“You look goofy!” she squealed.

“I know,” he sighed. “You owe me, kid.”

“Thanks for doing this. She’s going to be so happy that everyone dressed up with her.” My gaze flicked down to the ground then back up as I pulled my lip between my teeth. “It means a lot to me, too.”

“Anything for my two favorite girls.” He pressed a kiss to my temple when Whitley wasn’t paying attention.