Mistaken Consequences

Chapter 40: Hamish's Birthday

The next evening, Vera stood in the kitchen alone, waiting as Hamish got ready to go out. He'd tried to convince her that he was fine, that he didn't need to go out with his friends, that he was content to spend his birthday home with her and Lily. She told him to go anyways, told him to spend some time with his friends for once, told him she and Lily would be fine on their own for an evening...they would be fine on their own.

Hamish immediately sought her out when he came out of the bedroom. Before he could take Lily from her arms, she pushed a small gift bag across the counter towards him.

"It's not much, but we couldn't get you nothing," she said.

Hamish gave her a lopsided smile as he pulled the tissue paper from the bag. Inside was a black t-shirt that read 'My daughter says I am the best dad ever', along with a generic "Best Dad Ever" mug.

"Thank you," Hamish chuckled as he held them both up.

"We'll do better next year, when I actually have time to shop," she teased, and Hamish laughed. After a moment though, Vera's returning smile faded and she handed Lily over to him. "You'd better go before they start calling and asking where you are," she murmured.

Hamish met her gaze. "Thank you," he said again, this time for a different reason. He pressed his lips to the top of Lily's head, murmuring, "You be good for Mommy until I get back, okay, sweetheart?"

Vera didn't say anything as she took Lily back.

"Do you want me to let you know when I'm headed back?" Hamish asked, something he never did on the nights he went out on patrol with the others. It was just more proof that this night was different.

"No," she said. It would be better if she didn't know.

He gave her another small, lopsided smile, his blue eyes questioning. "You're okay with this, right?"

Vera did her best to look unbothered, arching a brow at him in return. "Of course. Enjoy your night out."

Hamish grinned. "I'll be sure to make up for my absence in the morning." And then he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Vera could only stare as he did the same to Lily, before turning and heading for the door to the garage. She watched his hand land on the knob...and she couldn't do it.

"Hamish!" Her eyes squeezed shut before she could see his reaction, but she never heard the door open. Her mouth opened and closed, no sound coming out. She pressed her lips firmly together, swallowed, and then tried again. "Don't...I don't want-. Just...come home tonight, okay? Don't-"

Hamish's hand cupped her cheek. "Look at me," he said gently. She slowly opened her eyes to find him looking down at her tenderly, a soft smile on his face. "I'm not going anywhere. All I want is you and Lily. It was never my idea to go out tonight and I would be perfectly happy spending this evening here instead."

Vera let out a breath. "That's not what-. No, go celebrate with your friends. They've missed you."

Before she could convince herself why this was a terrible idea, she leaned up and kissed him. She didn't linger, pulling away as soon as she'd done it, but Hamish's wide grin had already spread across his face and his eyes were sparkling happily.

"Just...come back home tonight." She let out another long, slow breath. "We'll talk, okay?"

If anyone was watching him, and he imagined Lilith, at least, was, then they'd notice the giddy smile he couldn't contain all evening. Vera had kissed him. She was ready to talk.