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Haven’t even wanted to until now.
Until Everly.
Cinderella
Think you can find me yet?
Cross
Based off the fact you have four siblings? Probably not.
Cinderella
Okay, you can ask one more question today.
Cross
Do you like playing games, Everly?
Cinderella
No, Cross. I like having fun.
I want to have more fun with you.
Will that help you find me?
Cross
I didn’t realize I had homework.
Cinderella
I’m worth it.
I’m worth it.
The words play on repeat in my mind the rest of the day.
So does the hour I spent with her a few nights ago.
Her face . . . her smile . . . her laugh and smell . . . she’s been burned into my brain.
I’m worth it.
I don’t just see the words on my phone, I hear them in her voice.
How is it possible, after one damn night, that I don’t doubt she is worth it?
Afew days after my night at West End, my entire family is together at our parent’s house in Kennebunkport, Maine, relaxing while we breathe in the fresh salt air and get doted on by Mom. All is right in Mary Jo Wilder’s world when her entire family is under one roof.
Not gonna lie, my world feels lighter here too. Easier. It always has.
Words I don’t usually associate with my life, but somehow just fit as I sit in one of Mom’s rocking chairs on the front porch. My five-month-old, Jax, sleeps, content in my arms.
The sunset dots the horizon over the Atlantic Ocean in the distance and reminds me of summers as a kid. It’s calm and quiet and somehow makes it easier to put the past year into perspective.
“Want some company?” Dad asks as he soundlessly closes the screen door behind him so he doesn’t wake Jax and eyes the white rocker next to me.
