Page 118 of The Golden Hour

Honey lifts Daisy’s hand that’s gripping her finger tightly, and waves it to Mason.

His smile widens.

“Hi, Daisy girl…”

“Say, hi, Daddy,” Honey singsongs, bouncing Daisy and making her smile wide and giggle.

Mason laughs wetly at that, and Honey tries to ignore the stinging in her nose.

“Say ‘I love you so much, Daddy’…” Honey murmurs, pressing a kiss to Daisy’s soft hair. She hides her face behind Daisy and mimics a baby voice. “I love you, Daddy.”

Mason hitches a sobbing laugh.

Honey feels her entire body soften.

She is still hurt by her husband, still digging deep to find forgiveness for him, still angry and raw.

But she knows that Mason needs this.

And God, she still loves him.

“I love you too…” Mason says, his eyes jumping back and forth. Honey’s throat closes, knowing he’s looking at both of them, speaking to both of them. “I love you more than anything.”

“We’ll see you later,” Honey says softly. “Right?”

Mason’s face brightens a bit at that, and he nods.

Then he glances to the right, and she watches as he straightens, his jaw lifting, and he takes a deep breath.

“I have to go, Honey,” he says, looking back at the camera.

“Take care, Mason,” Honey says.

“I love you,” Mason says once more, pressing his fingers to his lips and blowing them a kiss.

Honey feels her cheeks warm at that simple little gesture before he disconnects the call.

He called.

He didn’t just stay; he called first.

He got her records. He’s showing up. He’s doing the work.

And he called.

There are more conversations to be had, more battles in the future, so much hanging over their heads that Honey does not even know how to sort through it all. The lawsuit. The hospital. Their house. His career. Their marriage.

But this is enough for now.

She places her phone on the side table before lifting Daisy to see her face.

“It’s Girls' night, little flower,” she smiles, blowing a raspberry onto Daisy’s cheek and making her giggle. “What kind of trouble should we get up to tonight?”

Daisy babbles, smiling, and Honey nods.

“Oh, you’re a genius. I, too, could go for some ice cream,” Honey pulls a silly face that makes Daisy smile. “Why don’t we run to the store and pick up your Daddy a nice treat too?”

Daisy grunts.