Page 58 of I’m Already Gone

And then silence.

And my Sunshine on my mind.

“Hey,” Lily says, a weary smile touching her lips as she opens the front door.

“Hey.”

She still looks sick, but a lot better than she has recently. Her hair is combed and styled in a high bun, soft tendrils flowing down the sides of her face. The periwinkle sweater looks new; its soft knit clings to her frame better, not quite so loose as the sweatshirt I last saw her in. My gaze involuntarily lingers on her legs, noticing the white leggings and how they hug her legs. A grin forms on my face at seeing the fluffy purple socks I bought her years ago.

“Ollie is really excited.” Lily’s voice pulls my gaze from her feet to her face.

I manage a wider smile. “I’m glad to hear that. He’s a sweet kid, Lily.”

She nods proudly, a slight lift to her chin. “He is.”

A sudden, booming stampede of feet thunders down the steps.

“Hey, Dad.” Maddy bursts into the entryway with Ollie trailing a step behind her.

“Where’s Jake?” I ask Maddy, my eyes scanning past her.

She turns around, hands cupped around her mouth, and yells, “JAKE! Get your butt down here! Dad’s here!”

Lily winces, covering her ears with both hands.

Jake comes barreling down, taking two steps at a time. “Jesus, Maddy. Why are you yelling like the house is on fire?” He playfully tries to flick her forehead, but she’s too quick, dodging him with a giggle.

“Because I reminded you, like three times, you doofus. See you later, Mom!” Maddy waves a dismissive hand and heads out the door.

“Bye, sweet pea,” Lily calls out, a tired but affectionate smile on her face as she watches her go.

“Alright, let’s go. Ollie, you ready?” Jake asks, ignoring her jab, moving toward the door.

Ollie takes a step forward, looking unsure in his baby blue shorts, a crisp white printed tee, and sneakers that perfectly match his outfit.

“You like pizza, little man?” I ask him, kneeling in front of him.

He nods, his shyness replaced by renewed excitement. “Yeah. I like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.”

I smile widely. “That’s my favorite.”

His eyes pop out, wide with disbelief and wonder. “It is?”

I nod, still smiling. “Since I was a kid.”

“That’s so cool,” he breathes, looking up at Jake. “That’s cool, right? He likes it like we do, Jake.”

Jake’s blue eyes pierce me, a look of confusion swirling in their depths. It’s a look that says, What are you doing?

“Yeah, bud,” he replies, turning to Ollie with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Come on, let’s go.” Jake picks him up, swings him onto his shoulders, and walks past me.

“Give him time to get used to it,” Lily says as she watches the boys leave the house. “Don’t let his mood ruin the night. Have fun.”

I nod, a lump in my throat, and turn to the door, but then glance over my shoulder at her as a last-minute thought occurs to me. “Does he have any allergies, or⁠—”

She shakes her head. “No. He’ll eat anything.”

Like Jake and Maddy. Why does this strange, tight feeling grip my chest, a quiet longing that makes me wish Ollie could be my son?