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Or was he keeping a secret? His phone calls weren’t any of her business, but it had seemed that as soon as she’d come into the room he was in a hurry to hang up.
No. She was getting caught up in the fear she’d had in the past when he’d started sneaking away for his pills. That wasn’t Sam now. She knew he was clean. Besides, she didn’t have to know everyone he talked to. It wasn’t like they were at the point of sharing everything, and he had a life without her.
Okay, that had been painful to admit to herself. But the truth often hurt.
“I didn’t pack any games.”
Tara pushed aside her swirling thoughts as she focused on Marley. Staring at Sam would only create another layer of worry and tingles...definitely not the best combo.
“I did.” Sam jumped to his feet and turned from the living room. “I even packed your favorites, Marmaid.”
Marley squealed and clapped her hands, causing Daisy to jump up and bark. Sam headed out and moments later returned with three board games. Tara couldn’t help but be touched at his gesture; she’d had no idea he had packed those. Once again, he was thinking ahead and putting their needs first—no matter how minor.
“Which one are we starting with?” Sam asked as he laid the games on the coffee table.
Sam settled onto the floor beside Marley and Daisy. Tara watched as they figured out which game they would play, and then she slid from the sofa to the floor, resting against the cushions.
It wasn’t long before they fell into the easy routine of playing games, with Sam cheating as he always did—though he was never subtle about it and always thought his tactics would go unnoticed or he could charm his way out of being called out.
“You can’t land on red and pick up the blue card,” Tara scolded. “You are not going to win, Sam. So you might as well give up.”
Sam reached across the table for the blue card and waved it in the air. “I will never admit defeat.”
Tara fully expected Marley to laugh as she always did but one glance at her daughter and Tara quickly realized something was wrong.
“What is it?” Tara asked as she scooted around the table. Her daughter’s eyes were wide, staring straight ahead but not appearing to fully focus on one thing. “Marley?”
Sam quickly was at the other side of his daughter. “Honey?”
Marley continued to stare at the table, but she wasn’t blinking. The silence frightened Tara more than she wanted to admit. Marley reached up and rubbed her head, then closed her eyes.
“We haven’t played a game in a long time,” Marley whispered, then turned her attention to Tara. “Have we?”
Tara immediately glanced to Sam. His eyes were locked onto hers, and she knew the worry on her face mirrored what was on his.
“What makes you say that?” Sam asked.
Marley shrugged her shoulders and looked to the game. “I thought this would be fun, but when I see these games, I just feel...”
Tara settled her hand on her daughter’s leg. “What?”
Marley’s blue eyes once again came up to meet hers. “Sad.”
Tara ignored the lump of guilt and the sting of tears.
“We don’t have to play.” Sam started gathering up the pieces and putting them in the box. “It’s getting late anyway.”
Marley leaned against Tara’s chest and Tara wrapped her arms around her little girl. Every part of Tara wanted to open up and reveal the truth to Marley, but she had to trust the doctor’s word and pray they were heading on the right path.
“Why don’t I read you a story before bed?” Tara asked. “I brought your favorite mermaid book.”
Marley nodded and stood. She threw her arms around Sam and said, “Sorry, Daddy.”
Sam closed his eyes as he held their daughter tight. “Nothing to be sorry about, my sweet girl. I love you.”
Tara blinked away the moisture that suddenly surged in her eyes. When Marley headed for the hall, Daisy obediently followed.
While Marley changed into her nightgown, Tara grabbed the book and settled on the edge of the bed. Daisy curled up right beneath Tara’s feet. That dog could be a bit much at times, but she’d settled so easily in with the family and—
