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It fucking killed me, but I knew it was a good sign that they weren’t relying on her for emotional support any more.
I just wished I was better at giving that to them.
I glanced at my watch and sighed, then finished the last gulp of my coffee. “Okay guys, we have ten minutes before we have to be out the door. Just put your dishes in the sink when you’re done, and make sure you’ve got everything you want for the weekend in your backpacks. Gramma and Grandpa have pajamas and everything already for you, but bring any toys you want.”
“What about my toothbrush?” Ethan stared up at me stonily.
“Gramma bought you abrand newtoothbrush to use just at her house.” I grinned at him in encouragement.
“I don’t want anewtoothbrush. I want my raptor toothbrush.”
“You know what? I told her how much you loved it, so she bought theexactsame one. Now you havetworaptor toothbrushes, one for each house. What do you think about that?”
“It’s not the same,” he shook his head. “It’s notmyraptor toothbrush.”
“Okay, buddy, if you want to bring your toothbrush to Gramma’s house, that’s fine. Just put it in your backpack when you’re done eating. I need to finish getting dressed.”
Ethan scowled, then turned back to his food.
“Olivia, make sure you both wash your hands and that he doesn’t forget his toothbrush, please.” I kissed the top of her head as I passed.
“Sure, Dad.” Even though I used my gentlest tone and smiled widely, she replied with the stern expression of a hardened warrior taking orders.
Deflated, I placed my own dishes in the sink and headed for my room.
Experience had taught me not to wear my work clothes at the breakfast table, because accidents were bound to happen. I couldn’t say how many times I ended up with jelly or coffee spilled on my pristine dress blues.
Since it was my first day at a new job in management civilian style, I figured it was a smart idea to dress to impress. I’d only worn the charcoal suit once—for divorce court—so it was still impeccably clean. Shirt bright white and starched, red silk tie spotless.
By the time I reemerged from my room, the kids were waiting silently by the door, faces clean and backpacks on. My heart pinched at their serious expressions—I hated they were so sullen all the time, but I had no idea how to change it.
Hopefully, this move to Aspen Ridge would be the fresh start we all needed. With my parents here to help and the beautiful mountain scenery, it was an ideal place to settle our family and put down some roots. It was a place the kids could make friends, settle in, and perhaps we’d all find some more joy in our lives.
I just prayed it worked.
* * *
Mom and Dadwere waiting on the porch when we arrived, eager to spend time with their grandkids. The tightness in my chest loosened, confirming that I’d made the right choice, moving us here. Military bases provide a lot of support for families, but they don’t compare to living a few blocks away from your parents.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway, the kids were unbuckled and tearing toward the house with eager smiles. I followed up the stairs to greet my parents, relieved to see my two serious children joyful about something.
“I don’t know who’s more excited, you guys or the kids,” I teased. Ethan had jumped into my dad’s arms and my mom was already telling Olivia the itinerary for their weekend.
“Well, we’ve got to make up for lost time, son.” Dad greeted me with a hug and a firm pat on the back. “This is the first time we’ve all lived in the same state, let alone the same town.”
“I just hope you don’t get sick of us,” I chuckled. “They’re old enough to ride their bikes here once I get them unpacked. I have a feeling they’ll be over a lot.”
“You’re always welcome, Jake,” Mom replied with a warm smile. “You all can join us for dinner any time, too. The house has been quiet for too long, and I know you’ll be working all day.”
“Nah, we wouldn’t want to put you out, Mom. You should take more time to relax. Maybe you should come over to our house for dinner.” Instinctively, I glanced down at my watch. “Speaking of working all day, I had better not be late. Love you guys. Call me if you need anything.”
Dad waved me off. “We’ll be fine. Tell JJ hello for me!”
“Will do. Thanks again, for everything.”
“Nonsense.” He shook his head. “You don’t need to thank us for watching our grandchildren.”
“All the same, they can be a handful, so call me if you need anything.”
