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Tina took her turn, adding a card to the pile.
“Yeah, she’s cool.” She peeked up at me covertly, like she hoped I wouldn’t notice. “She’s really into science, so I’m excited about all the experiments she said she’ll do with us this year.” She shrugged. “That’s my favorite subject.”
I smiled. Mine too.
“Mama,” Teddy whined from the sofa. “My nose is stuffy.”
I had a clear line of sight to him where he lay on the couch. His face had a flush to it that wasn’t there twenty minutes ago, and it was obvious he didn’t feel well. Hopefully, it was just a cold and not the flu or something.
Tina sat next to him and pressed the back of her hand to his forehead.
“He’s burning up,” she announced, confirming what I already thought.
“Mama, cuddle.” Teddy clung to her when she tried to stand.
“I need to get you some medicine, baby.”
“I can get it.” I stood and stepped up next to the sofa. “Medicine cabinet?”
She shook her head. “Top shelf of the linen closet.”
I returned a moment later and handed her the bottle of children’s Tylenol and a medicine cup, then made my way back to Callie.
I picked up my cards and fanned them out in front of me. “Ready?”
She stared at me for a moment, then darted a look at Tina and Teddy. Finally, she nodded and threw down a card.
A few rounds later, Callie couldn’t stop yawning. “I’m tired.”
I flicked my wrist and checked the time, noting it was nine already. Callie spun the bracelet on her wrist as she zeroed in on my tactical watch. The band material was similar to her bracelet. Maybe that had caught her attention. Whatever it was, her face was suddenly drawn. I put my arm down and cleared my throat.
“My dad had the same watch,” she mumbled, her eyes teary.
Shit. I wasn’t sure what to say or what to do if she started crying.
“I’m going to bed.” She stood abruptly, and then she was gone, heading toward the hallway that led to the bedrooms.
I ran my hand over my face. Was Callie still struggling so much because she hadn’t gotten to say goodbye to her dad? Would knowing he thought about and talked about them in his final moments give them more closure? Or would bringing it all up again two years later cause more harm than good? Thesewere the questions that had plagued me since Tina and her kids had shown up here over two months ago.
But now, did I want them to know I was the reason he wasn’t here with them? Did they deserve to know regardless?
I walked into the great room, focusing on the scene on the sofa. Tina lay on her side, her arm draped across Teddy, who was on his back next to her. Both were asleep.
Teddy didn’t look as flushed as he had earlier. I made my way over and felt his forehead. Good. The medicine had brought the fever down. I scooped him up, rousing Tina in the process.
“What?” Her eyes fluttered open.
“You want me to put him in his bed?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, sitting up. “Is he still warm?”
“Just a touch.”
“Okay.”
I turned and headed toward his room.
“Kyle?”
