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“What are we watching?” I whispered to Khloe, who had taken my backpack and my hand as she led me into the living room.
“It’s Moana!”
“Take it down a notch, slappy.” Tanner covered his ears. I was pleasantly surprised to see him there. It was a sign he was making an attempt to spend time with his family.
“Let’s pretend like we’re in the movies,” I whispered.
“Good idea,” she whispered back. “You can sit here, next to me and Chase.”
“Best seat in the house,” Chase whispered.
“Kokomo, show Merritt how she can recline her seat,” Tim called from his spot next to Beverly. He looked tired, as usual, but happy as always.
“Got it,” she responded.
“Tanner, you didn’t strike me as the Moana type,” I smirked.
“Oh, you just wait until my song comes on.”
Khloe giggled, clearly in on the joke. She laid with her head on my lap.
Chase interlocked his fingers with mine, and planted a kiss on my hand. As the movie began, I rested my head against his shoulder.
My heart felt full and content with the Brooks family. I tried hard to pretend like the imminent storm was out of sight. The family puzzle would be left with a missing piece as Tim’s cancer progressed, and it was too difficult to think about. I focused on the movie, and the sleepy angel lying on my lap.
When the movie ended, Tim instructed Khloe to get ready for bed. “Merritt can tuck you in when you’re ready.”
“Let’s brush our teeth together,” she whispered as I followed her up the stairs.
I giggled. She wanted a true slumber party, and I would oblige.
After we swished and spit, Khloe showed me to her room. It was an explosion of pink and purple. I smiled as I looked at her baby pictures perched atop her dresser.
“This is my bed,” she gestured. “And this is yours. We’re like sisters!”
“I’ve always wanted a sister.” I tucked her under the covers. “Thanks for letting me stay in your room. I love it in here.”
“Thanks.” She yawned while I ran my fingers through her hair. I watched her eyes slowly close, and then pop open again. “Goodnight, Merry. I’ll see you in the morning. Chase is making breakfast he said.”
“Goodnight, angel girl. See you for pancakes.”
In five minutes, she was asleep. I jumped when I turned to realize that Tim was standing in the doorway. He grinned when he saw that he had scared me. I closed Khloe’s door behind me, and stood with him in the hallway.
“She loves you. She looks up to you, you know.”
“She’s precious. You guys did a great job raising your kids. You have three really great ones.”
Tim nodded, and folded his arms across his chest. “You’re one of the great ones, too, Merritt. I hope you know how highly we all think of you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“You are a part of our family now. It feels good to know that Chase has you to lean on. I’ve never seen him this way before. I’m glad it’s someone like you.”
Beverly emerged from the bathroom. “Come to bed, dear. Goodnight, Merritt. Chase is right in there.” She pointed to the room next door to Khloe’s.
“Night. Thanks.” I felt awkward stepping into Chase’s room in front of his parents. I fought back a smile as I entered, surrounded by a sea of navy-colored walls. I looked around at the Yankee memorabilia hanging on his walls, with several football trophies displayed on a shelf. I wondered if this is exactly what his room looked like back in high school.
“What is so funny?” he asked, sitting on the edge of his bed.
