Chapter 25

25

Mason

I couldn’t shake the weight of Chloe’s story, the shadows that danced behind her eyes when she spoke of her past. But I knew in that moment as we sat by the pond, it was warmth she needed—heat to drive away the cold grip of old ghosts.

“Hey, Chlo,” I ventured, my voice a soft drawl, “how ‘bout I leave work early and we pick up Abby and then do something fun? Just the three of us?”

A hesitant smile tugged at her lips, and something fierce and protective swelled in my chest. “That sounds nice, Mason,” she murmured, and I felt like I’d won a small victory.

The rumble of my truck filled the silence between us as we drove to Abby’s school. I glanced at Chloe, saw her staring out the window, lost in thoughts I wished I could dispel with a word or a touch.

“Abby’s gonna flip when she sees us together,” I said, trying to inject a bit of lightness back into the air.

“You think?” Her voice lifted in a way that made me think of wind chimes, delicate and sweet .

“Like a pancake on Sunday morning,” I joked, and this time her laugh was genuine, brightening the cab of the truck.

When we pulled up to the school, kids were spilling out into the afternoon sun, a chaotic burst of energy and noise. I spotted Abby immediately—couldn’t miss those wild curls bouncing as she skipped toward us.

“Daddy!” Her squeal punched right through the open window, and it was all I could do not to hop out before the truck was even parked.

“Hey, jellybean!” I called back, grinning wide as I hopped out and caught her up in my arms. She wrapped around me like ivy, all limbs and laughter and love.

“Chloe’s here too!” I told her, nodding toward the passenger seat where Chloe had already stepped out.

“Chlo!” Abby wriggled free, racing over to wrap Chloe in an equally enthusiastic hug. “You both came to get me!”

“We sure did,” Chloe replied, her voice steadier than it had been all day. There was a magic to Abby’s joy, infectious and pure.

“Alright, you two,” I laughed, “let’s head home. I reckon we’ve got some serious fun to get into.”

“Fun? Like what, Daddy?” Abby’s eyes sparkled, her curiosity as boundless as the Montana sky.

“Let’s just say,” I winked at Chloe, knowing she’d appreciate the mystery, “it’s gonna be delicious.”

“Yay!” Abby cheered, clapping her hands as we all climbed back into the truck.

I caught Chloe’s eye as I started the engine, a silent promise passed between us.

“Did you know we painted today?” Abby bubbled from the back seat, her words tumbling over each other in excitement. “I made a green horse! ”

“Green, huh?” I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, my eyebrow raised playfully. “That’s an interesting choice.”

“Because they’re magical, Daddy!” She giggled, her imagination a wildfire that couldn’t be contained.

“Of course,” I chuckled. “What was I thinking?”

“Chlo, what’s your favorite color?” Abby turned her attention to Chloe, who had been quietly soaking in the familial warmth.

“Um, blue,” Chloe answered, a tentative smile on her lips.

“Like the sky or like the ocean?” Abby pressed on, her curiosity insatiable.

“Like the sky,” Chloe replied, her voice gaining strength.

“Good choice,” I said, shooting Chloe a grin. The simple exchange felt like a victory, a step towards something lighter, something better.

“Abby, how about we cook home-made pizzas tonight?” I suggested, already envisioning the warmth of the kitchen, the three of us moving in a dance of domesticity.

“I can help?” Her voice was hopeful, and it swelled my heart to bursting.

“Darlin’, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I winked at Abby in the mirror. Without thinking, I grabbed Chloe’s hand and held it in mine, pulling it to me to rest against my thigh. She didn’t seem to notice at first either, until a delighted squeal came from the backseat.

“Are you two in love?” Abby asked excitedly, at the same time Chloe tried to pull her hand away. I decided it was high time we be honest with my little girl . . . and ourselves. But I wasn’t about to tell Chloe I loved her for the first time here like this. So I just pulled her hand back to me and squeezed it.

“Do you think we’d make a good couple, Abs?”

Abby’s voice had a hint of exasperation aimed at her old man. “ Um, yes, I’ve been wishing for it ever since Chloe became my best friend.”

“Oh really now? Well why didn’t you say anything?”

“Daddy, you can’t interfere with love. It’s bad luck.”

Chloe laughed, and turned around to wink at Abby. I knew then, that I’d be outnumbered for the rest of my life and I was nothin’ short of elated about it.

“Alright, team,” I announced as I pulled into the driveway, “Operation Pizza Night is a go.” Abby cheered from the back seat, and even Chloe’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

The kitchen hummed with the kind of warmth that only a home filled with laughter and the scent of garlic could muster. Chloe stood at the counter, her hands expertly guiding the knife through a ripe tomato, while I manned the sauce, letting it simmer to perfection.

“Is this thin enough?” she asked, holding up a slice for inspection.

“Perfect,” I confirmed with an approving nod, unable to stop the grin from stretching across my face. “You’ve got some serious skills, Chlo.”

“I know a thing or two,” she shot back, and there was that wit I’d come to adore. Her eyes met mine, a flicker of playfulness in their blue depths.

“Abby, watch your fingers,” I called out, as our impromptu sous-chef took on a ball of fresh mozzarella with gusto, her concentration almost comical.

“Like this, Daddy?” Abby asked, her little tongue poking out in focus.

“Exactly like that, munchkin. You’re a natural.” My chest swelled with pride watching her mimic Chloe’s earlier demonstration.

“Can’t be outdone by the grown-ups,” Chloe teased, ruffling Abby’s curls.

“Never,” Abby declared, brandishing her plastic knife like a sword before returning to her task with renewed vigor.

“Alright, team,” I said, surveying our combined efforts, “time to set the stage for the feast.”

“Can I help?” Abby bounced on her toes, eager.

“Sure thing, deputy,” I replied, lifting her onto my hip as we ventured into the living room. It was smaller than the dining area, but it felt right for tonight—intimate, cozy. The coffee table was nothing fancy, just sturdy wood with enough character to tell a thousand stories. I spread out a checkered tablecloth, smoothing out the wrinkles with a swipe of my hand.

“Plates here, Abby,” I instructed, handing her the stack with a wink.

“Got it!” She placed each one down with care, her tongue peeking out again, mirroring how seriously she was taking the task.

“Chloe, you think you can wrangle the napkins?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, but damn, every time I looked at her, it felt like my heart skipped a beat.

“On it.” She called from the kitchen.

After piling our individual pizzas with our chosen toppings, I slid them into the oven to bake and let the aroma fill the house. Ten minutes later, I pulled them out and set them each on an oversized tray, cutting them into perfect slices.

The couch was our dining throne, cushions dipping under our weight as we settled in. Abby had claimed a fortress of pillows at our feet, plate balanced on her knees as she giggled at the animated antics on screen. I glanced over to Chloe, her profile lit by the soft glow of the TV, and felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the food.

“Best dinner ever,” Abby declared, eyes glued to the colorful images flickering before her.

“Think so?” I asked, my voice low enough not to disturb the movie magic.

“Uh-huh,” she mumbled, mouth full of pepperoni and olive pizza she’d made.

“Hmm, I don’t think you’re supposed to talk with your mouth full,” Chloe chided gently, but there was laughter dancing in her voice, a sound that sent ripples through me.

“Sorry, Chlo.”

I saw Chloe sneak a quick smile at Abby, one that told me she was already part of this family in ways she might not even realize yet.

I finished my last slice, relishing in the ingredients I’d only used because Chloe suggested them. Fresh tomato, sausage, peppers, and lots of parmesan. I’d never had that combo before, but it was Heaven on my tongue. “You’re a natural in the kitchen, you know that?”

“Maybe,” Chloe admitted with a laugh, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“Hey, Dad, look!” Abby pointed at the screen where the protagonist narrowly escaped a hilarious calamity, her chuckle infecting us until we were all laughing.

“Didn’t see that coming,” I said between bursts of laughter, but my gaze wasn’t on the TV. It was on Chloe, watching how her nose scrunched up when she laughed, the way her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears of mirth. She was beautiful, yeah, but it was these moments, these uninhibited peals of laughter, that made me feel like the luckiest man alive .

“Your laugh,” I said softly, almost to myself, “it’s . . . contagious.”

“Hmm?” She turned to me, her expression curious, those same eyes still shining.

“Nothing,” I shook my head, but my grin betrayed me. “Just thinking about how much I love hearing you laugh.”

“Keep being funny, then,” she teased, nudging me with her shoulder, a light touch that sent electricity down my spine.

“Challenge accepted,” I whispered back, my heart thumping against my chest. I stole another glance at her, each more daring than the last, memorizing the way she smiled, the flecks of silver in her eyes, the little freckles along her chin that you could barely see unless you were this close.

Eventually the credits rolled, the room filled with the soft glow of the TV screen casting shadows across Abby’s snoozing figure. She was sprawled out on her colorful fortress of pillows, a serene expression on her face, chest rising and falling rhythmically in slumber.

“Guess the movie was too much for our little pizza chef,” I murmured, the corner of my mouth lifting in fondness as I turned to Chloe.

“Or maybe the carb-and-cheese combo was just that good,” Chloe whispered back, her voice laced with warmth. She brushed a stray curl from Abby’s forehead, her touch gentle.

“Think she’s dreaming about unicorns or mermaids tonight?” I said, standing up and stretching my arms. My gaze lingered on Abby; there were moments like these where I saw so much of myself in her—same stubborn chin, same peaceful look when lost in dreams.

“Both, probably.” Chloe chuckled softly. “Riding unicorns into the sea.”

“Right.” I nodded. “Best of both worlds. ”

I stooped down, sliding my hands under Abby, careful not to wake her. Her little body was all trust and innocence, fitting perfectly in my arms as I lifted her. She stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, then settled against me with a sigh.

“Sweet dreams, kiddo,” I whispered, feeling her breath warm through my shirt.

Chloe followed me to the stairs, her fingers brushing against the small of my back—a whisper of touch that sent a shiver up my spine. I managed to keep my footing despite it, ascending the stairs with the most precious cargo.

“Need any help?” Chloe’s voice floated up to me, soft as moonlight.

“Got it covered,” I replied, but didn’t mind her watching my six. It was nice having someone there, sharing these quiet moments.

Abby’s room was a colorful haven, stuffed animals holding court over her bed that seemed too big for her tiny frame. I laid her down, tucking the covers around her, making sure every plush toy was within reach. The nightlight cast a soft pink hue over everything, guarding against the dark.

“Sleep tight, don’t let the . . .” I trailed off, smiling at the thought of finishing the old saying. Abby wouldn’t let any bedbugs bite; she’d rope ‘em and ride ‘em straight out the window.

“Goodnight, Abby,” Chloe whispered from the doorframe, her silhouette haloed by the hallway light.

Stepping out, I pulled the door almost closed, left just a crack so the whispers of the house could keep her company. Chloe’s hand found mine in the dim corridor, and it felt like this was how it was supposed to be. Life with my girls.

“Come on,” I said, voice barely above a breath. “I got another special place I wanna show you. ”

We made our way downstairs, and I grabbed the baby monitor from the charging station.

Chloe eyed me questioningly. “Are we going to the cottage?”

“Nah. Somewhere you haven’t seen yet.”

“Lead the way, cowboy,” she said, her words wrapped in a warmth that reached out and tangled up with whatever it was growing inside me.

A chuckle escaped me, rough and genuine, as I extended my hand toward her. She placed her hand in mine, small and trusting, and my pulse kicked up a notch, ready to show her another piece of my world.

The screen door creaked as I led Chloe out into the night, the hinges whispering secrets in the quiet of the evening. The cool air hit us, a sudden contrast to the cozy warmth we left behind. It wrapped around us like a shawl, and I felt Chloe’s grip tighten just a bit on my hand.

“Where are we going?” she asked, her voice low, almost blending into the symphony of crickets serenading the stars.

“Just wait.”

We wandered along the path from the yard to the treeline, a path I knew as well as the lines on my palm, but under the veil of dusk, it felt different—more alive. Like it was buzzing with the same current running between me and Chloe.

“Watch your step here,” I murmured as we approached an uneven patch of ground in the woods.

“Thanks,” she replied, her voice soft but sturdy. She navigated the terrain with a grace that belied her nerves. Always so strong, my Chloe. Even when shadows played tricks on our eyes and turned tree branches into specters reaching out.

“Almost there,” I reassured her, squeezing her hand. A part of me wanted to soak up the suspense, draw it out until the anticipation hung heavy between us. But another part, the part that was quickly getting used to having her close, wanted to show her now.

“Feels like a secret mission,” she joked, a giggle escaping her lips, and I loved the sound more than I figured I should.

“Every good romance has a dash of espionage,” I shot back, playing off her humor.

“Is that so?”

“Mmmhmm, yes, ma’am.”

I led the way, holding her hand in mine with a soft touch. After another minute, we were there. I stepped aside, and let Chloe see it. The gasp that came from her lips made it all worth it.