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Nylah bobbed her head. “Thanks.”
I didn’t know what taking anything to church meant and decided it was best not to ask.
Reaching for my bag, I opened the top and then slid the envelope containing Naomi’s necessary documents out, placing them on the nearest table. “This is the legal paperwork for Yeva. Make sure Naomi keeps this safe. I don’t have any extra copies since I mailed everything to the correct agencies.”
Nylah nodded, gently rocking the little guy in her arms.
“I’ll need her signature on all the highlighted areas. She can drop it off to me where I’m staying, or I can come back. Either way is fine. I’ll be staying at The Clown Motel until Sunday. My business card is inside the envelope. She can reach out to me whenever she’s ready.”
“I’ll let her know,” Nylah promised, rising to her feet. “You stay safe, Tawni. I’ll give you my number and Naomi’s cell. If something spooks you, call us right away.”
She placed Yeva back in the seat and then asked for my phone, typing her sister’s info into my contacts and then her own. Once she handed it over, I slid my phone back into my purse and gave her a genuine smile.
“Thank you, Nylah. I’m confident that Yeva has found a good home. Take care.”
“His name,” she began, swallowing loudly, “What does it mean?”
“Life,” I answered as my voice caught, full of sudden emotion. “Katya gave hers for him.”
“Life,” Nylah whispered, “It’s perfect.”
My work here finished; I stood up, slipping my bag over my shoulder and snatching up my keys. “I’m going now. Don’t worry. I’m keeping a low profile. Just staying long enough to ensure all the paperwork and signatures are complete.”
All eyes were on me as I walked toward the exit, pausing beside the door to glance back at Grim. Brows furrowed, he stared at me as if I was an anomaly he needed to figure out. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but I was positive this wouldn’t be the last time I spoke with Grim, his Bastards, or entered the Crossroads.
“I BROUGHT DINNER,”I announced, opening the door as I entered the motel room, not the least bit surprised to find Zane playing his Xbox.
“Hey, mom. Just finishing up this round.”
“I’ve got burgers and those cheese fries you love,” I announced, shaking the bag temptingly. “Sure you can’t get off now?”
“Gotta go, Rek’d. Food over bros, man.”
Laughing, I plopped down at the little table in our room and opened the bag, digging out all of the containers and packages.
Zane removed his headset and exited his game, crossing the room eagerly as he took his seat. “Woah, what a spread.”
“I figured you were hungry,” I replied with a knowing smile. This kid was a bottomless pit. Ate three times as much as I did, and he was still slim. Tall and broad-shouldered, just like his father. The thought was sobering, and I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. Even after all this time, I still thought about Jasper, wishing things could have turned out much differently. My son grew up without a father, and I lost the love of my life.
It wasn’t fair.
“Hey, you okay? Mom?”
I didn’t realize that he caught me swiping away tears until now. “Yes, I promise. It was a rough day.”
Zane nodded, not the least bit surprised. He knew how difficult and challenging my job could be, especially when infants and children were involved. “You should eat,” he announced after swallowing a massive bite of his burger. “Can’t have you fading away into nothing.”
A laugh escaped as I shook my head. “You’re not supposed to use my own words against me,” I complained, picking up my plastic fork and digging into the salad I bought with a chicken sandwich. I often said the same thing to him.
“You know,” he began casually, “You don’t have to hide that you get sad sometimes.”
Looking up, I blinked, staring at my son with amazement.
“I’m not a little kid anymore. I know you worry, but I’m almost sixteen. Old enough to understand that you miss my dad.” He shrugged, stuffing a bite of cheese fries in his mouth and chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. “You loved him, right?”
“With all my heart,” I admitted honestly.
“Then it’s normal for you to miss him.”
