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I’m relieved when we’re interrupted by Charlotte’s voice as she arrives home.
“Micah’s here? Where?”
“He’s in here, my darling.” Matilda releases me before patting my head like I’m Total. “And we have some wonderful news to share with you.”
Matilda can’t be stopped from broadcasting the latest developments. I don’t mind, especially when I see the way my kid sister’s face becomes radiant when she hears that she’ll be an aunt.
“Can I babysit? I’m not afraid to change diapers. I’ll even change poop diapers.”
Henley stands in the doorway and grins at me while everyone carries on about diapers and weddings.
Charlotte twirls with excitement. “Micah, can we take Total for a walk to Dani’s house? Please?”
“Charlotte,” Matilda scolds, “your brother is in no condition to walk a dog.”
The flash of pain in the kid’s eyes is crushing. “Micah, I forgot. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. Last I checked, I still had two legs.” I smack one thigh to make the point. “Leash up the dog. We’ll leave right now.” I nod to Matilda. “Does that suit you, Mom?”
Any objection she might have had is smothered when she hears me call her that for the second time today. I never knew she cared either way. But her face softens and she moves closer to her husband.
“Yes, that’s fine,” she says, taking Henley’s arm and giving us a fond smile. Henley wraps an arm around her and she rests her head on his shoulder, her eyes filling with sudden tears. “Just look at my babies.”
Charlotte gives me an eye rolling look that says she’s used to these theatrics.
“Let’s go.” She pulls at my arm, then yanks her hand back, her face falling when she realizes she’s touched the arm that is missing something.
There’s no need to hide from the way things are. I wave my arm and the cuff of my shirt flaps. “I’ve been tossing around the idea of getting one of those bionic hands. What do you think?”
She giggles. “That would practically make you a superhero.”
My little sister scampers off to attach a leash to the dog. I’m about to follow her but Matilda says my name.
Then she smiles. “You’re going to be a good father.”
I hope like hell that’s true.
Chapter37
Tess
Iwant this to be the last time I’ll ever set foot inside the Green Mansion.
The Emerald City PD has already combed through the office. This is a courtesy, and a nod to Uncle Josh’s status, that they allow us to come here and privately collect any personal effects.
Micah didn’t want me coming down here without him but I’m safe with my uncle. I feel like this unpleasant chore is something Josh and I need to finish together.
Uncle Josh holds an empty file box and murmurs a word of thanks to the Em City cop who unlocks the door to my father’s office.
“Take as long as you need,” says the officer. He positions himself just outside the door.
Uncle Josh lets me take the lead. I ignore the dread curling through my gut as I step over the threshold into the office my father coveted, won, and only occupied briefly.
I was afraid I’d sense his presence in here somehow, a shadow of his ghost, perhaps a whiff of his overpowering cologne.
But no, there’s just an empty chair behind a desk. The room smells strongly of lemon soap, having been scrubbed already in anticipation of the new mayor.
Still, my bulky cardigan isn’t enough of a buffer to guard against the chill that comes from within.
