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The way her hand fit snug against mine seemed so right. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to hold Lark Meadow’s hand.
Her grief had been palpable as Thea’s candle was lit, and I needed her to know that she wasn’t alone in that. But I hadn’t found it in myself to let her hand go, even after I knew I should.
As our family dinner concluded, and our stomachs grew full, the conversation around the table died down to a murmur.
“Ugh.” Hailey sighed, leaning back in her chair and rubbing her belly. “I’m stuffed.”
There was a collective chuckle, and my mother stood. “If everyone wants to put their dishes in the sink, I can make a pot of coffee and tea and we can relax in the front living room.”
Hailey’s eyes brightened as she bolted upright. “Oh, I have to get ready for my performance then!” She swung her legs to the side and launched off the chair, scurrying out of the kitchen.
Lark’s eyes followed her before she glanced at me with curiosity.
I grinned. “Every night after Sunday dinner, Hailey has taken it upon herself to be the entertainment.”
Her lips parted in a sweet smile that had me staring at her mouth longer than I should have. “That’s fun.”
I shrugged. “Speak for yourself. She claims to be the entertainment, but we all get roped in for at least one of her ‘scenes.’ She’s got some imagination, that’s for sure.”
Lark’s smile widened. “It’s good for kids to be imaginative. I knew there was a reason I liked her.”
I gave her a wink, hesitating before I pushed my chair back. I didn’t want to be the first to let go of her hand, but we were quickly becoming the last two left at the table and August was starting to give me the side eye. I didn’t need any flak from him later.
Almost at the same time, our hands released each other and we pulled apart. Lark glanced away, clearing her throat as I stood from the table, picking up both of our plates.
“I can get my own plate.” She popped up from her chair.
I jerked her plate out of her reach as she grabbed for it. “Definitely not. You’re our guest. I got it.”
She nibbled on that bottom lip but didn’t fight me on it.
Good.
After the dishes were all cleared and everyone had a warm drink, we all headed into the front living room. I opted for the chai; my mother made her own blend and it was way better than anything you could get at a coffee shop or store.
Hailey was already set up, greeting us with a gleaming smile. “Welcome!” She spun around in the pink sparkly princess dress she’d changed into. My mother kept a trunk of costumes and kids toys by the hearth for this occasion.
Everyone got comfortable on the couch and armchairs. There was almost enough seating, but unless August and I wanted to sit on each other’s laps, we were one short.
“Sit.” I motioned for Lark to take the last open seat on the couch.
She shook her head. “I’m actually good with standing.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Just sit.”
“No. I’m good. I promise.” She planted her feet right behind the couch and sipped her tea.
Stubborn girl.
“Shhhh,” Hailey hissed, putting her hands on her hips. “I’m about to start!”
“Sorry.” I pinched my thumb and forefinger together and mimed zipping my mouth closed.
Silently, I stood next to Lark, leaving the free seat open. She rolled her eyes, but I wasn’t going to leave her by herself. I nudged her playfully on the arm as Hailey started her performance.
Her opening act was one of her favorite songs by Taylor Swift, and I had to give it to her—she was pretty good for a five-year-old. She stayed on key and brought life and sass to the song.
Lark glanced at me, eyebrows raised, obviously impressed too.
