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“Strawberry.”
“My favorite. You bring me a spoon?”
“You know it.” Wren handed me a second spoon.
We had these traditions we’d developed over the years, even though my time with her had always been limited. We made the most of the time we had together.
My heart ached whenever I thought about Wren begging to stay with me. I wanted to give her everything she wanted, and I was doing everything in my power to make it happen. But it was up to a judge who didn’t know us or our family. I just hoped he or she would conclude that shared custody was the best for everyone involved. Wren wasn’t old enough to decide where she lived, but the judge might take her wishes into consideration.
We walked to the dock by the harbor and sat on one of the benches, watching the boats and tourists go by.
When we were finished eating, I got up and threw out our trash. Wren cooed to a few of the birds that were begging for food.
“Are you okay?” Everly asked me.
“I’m wondering if I made the right decision. If this plan will work out.”
“You’re thinking too far into the future.”
“I’m definitely guilty of that.”
We laughed softly together, and I interlaced my fingers with hers. It felt good to draw comfort from Everly. We were more open with each other and freer with our affections than we’d ever been before.
“It will work out,” Everly finally said as we watched Wren coax a pigeon to come closer.
I wanted to ask her how she could be so sure, but instead, I let the words settle around us like a warm blanket.
After Wren was finished playing with the birds, we walked back through the tables of vendors, toward my truck. On the way home, I thought about what it would be like to always share my weekends with Everly. Then it hit me that next week, Wren would be at her mother’s. We’d have the weekend to ourselves. Even if I had a wedding to set up for, it didn’t take the entire time.
“Can we set up the twinkle lights tonight?” Wren asked when I pulled into our driveway and parked.
“I don’t see why not.” Wren had been asking me to hang lights in the backyard. I’d bought them but wanted to wait for her to be here so we could put them up together.
“What are we doing?” Everly asked as we got out of the car.
“I bought some lights to string up in the backyard.” I went through the boxes in the garage, found what I needed, and carried them to the back deck.
“What a good idea,” Everly said as I set the boxes on the table.
I pulled out the lights while Wren discussed placement with Everly. I had a feeling these two would have me working on many projects around the house. But I didn’t mind. I enjoyed it.
They decided on the perfect placement, and I got out a ladder and started stringing them up. When Everly left to start dinner, I asked Wren, “How are you doing with everything?”
Wren fed me more of the string. “You mean with Everly living here?”
“Uh-huh,” I agreed as I paused to look down at her.
Wren shrugged. “It’s cool.”
Typical kid thing to say, but I let out some of the tension I’d been holding on to. “So, you’re good with it?”
“I like having her here. I love Everly.” Her voice was soft and full of emotion.
“I’m glad.” What would happen when this was over? Every time I thought about the eventual breakup, goose bumps raced over my skin.
A few minutes later, Wren added, “Being with Mom is different.”
We’d discussed this many times over the years, and I was sympathetic to Wren moving back and forth. It couldn’t be easy, but I didn’t see any way around it. We weren’t meant to be together. It was a drunken one-night stand. Not that I’d ever tell Wren the truth.
