First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 41

  When I come back downstairs, KK is holding my hand and talking nonstop about her dream. Something about a purple tiger that could fly and talk. Her little feet move fast on the steps, eager to get back to Taytum since she knew Taytum was staying here for now but she didn't know my mom was here too.

  As soon as we hit the living room, KK drops my hand and runs straight to her. "TayTay!"

  She is already standing. She scoops KK up into a big hug like she's been waiting for it all morning. KK clings to her neck, laughing into her shoulder before wiggling to get down.

  I smile at the scene. My chest still aches, but moments like this help it hurt a little less. Taytum meets my eyes over KK's head as she is standing her down and she turns to my mom. "Mimi!" and she runs over to my mom, happy to see her.

  "Hey," Taytum says softly.

  "Hey," I reply, brushing some hair behind my ear, suddenly aware I am still only wearing the same T-shirt, which is one of Taytums, and joggers. I tug at the hem of the shirt to fix it, even though it is not out of place.

  Taytum looks like she might say more, but instead, she gives me a small smile and turns her attention towards KK and my mom. "I'm gonna head over to my place for a little bit," she says. "Let y'all have some time together."

  KK's face drops. "But you're coming back, right?"

  Taytum crouches to her level. "Of course, I promise. You think I'd miss hanging out with you?"

  KK grins, satisfied with the answer. "Okay. Pinky promise?"

  They lock pinkies and Taytum kisses the top of KK's head before standing again.

  She gives me a quick look. "I'll be back in a bit."

  "Okay. Thanks... for everything." She nods, then slips out the front door.

  About thirty minutes later, my dad pulls into the driveway. I saw his truck from the screen for the camera and he didn't even have to knock because I was already opening the door. "Hey, baby girl."

  "Hey, Dad." He kisses my forehead, then wraps his arms around me gently. The kind of hug that says he knows I'd break if he holds too tight.

  We all sit around the living room, talking about anything but what happened. Mostly listening to KK's stories and letting her take up space with her energy. Dad laughs at every wild thing she says, and I let myself soak in the warmth of it. After a while, he stands and stretches.

  "How 'bout I take this little sugar bug to get some ice cream? That sound good, Kadence?"

  "Yesss! Let's go PopPop" KK yells, running to grab her shoes.

  "Good," dad says. "Let's give your mama and your mimi some time to talk girl stuff without us interrupting." He winks at me before grabbing his keys. KK gives me a wet kiss on the cheek and then they are gone.

  My mom waits until the door closes before she sits up straighter, like she's been holding back a dam of questions. "Are you okay to talk for a few minutes?"

  I nod slowly. "Yeah."

  Mom reaches for my hand. "You scared the hell outta us, Danielle. When Natalie called, I didn't know if we would be walking into a hospital room or a funeral when we got back."

  "I know," I whisper. "I'm sorry."

  "Don't apologize for what he did. Ever." Her voice is sharp, but her grip on my hand is soft. "You did what you had to do. You protected yourself and your daughter. That's all any of us wanted. I just hate that your dad and I were not here and couldn't get back sooner than we did."