my car door. Cranking the engine, I pull away from the auto shop. I’m going to show up at my dad’s house with mascara coating my cheeks no doubt, but it can’t be helped.
When I arrive, I park in the driveway and do my best to spruce up my appearance, hoping it won’t be obvious that I’ve been crying.
I can’t stall any longer, so I get out and go to the front door, ringing the bell.
My dad’s the one to answer the door this time. With a chuckle, he says, “Kiddo, I texted you the garage code weeks ago so you could use it when you come over. You don’t have to ring the doorbell like a stranger.” I don’t say anything, just dive into him. “Whoa.” He puts a hand on the back of my head to steady me.
Slowly, hesitantly, his arms wrap around me and he hugs me back.
Over his bent shoulder I see Allison walk out of the kitchen. She smiles when she sees us and immediately turns, heading back.
He holds me until I make the first move to let go. “What was that for?”
“I just … needed to hug my dad.”
“Oh.” He rubs his jaw. “Okay. Cool.”
“Cool.” I smile back at him. I hope he doesn’t notice the new tears forming in my eyes.
“Dinner’s ready!” Allison calls.
I follow my dad into the kitchen and to the table where Allison is already setting the pot roast.
“As always, this looks amazing, Allison.”
“Thank you.” She clasps my wrist briefly before going to grab a side of mashed potatoes.
I pull out the chair beside Gabriel. “How are you doing, little bro?” I ruffle his curly hair and he immediately reaches up to smooth it back down.
“Good. I got an A on my spelling test.”
“Whoa! That’s awesome, buddy. Give me some knuckles.” I hold up my fist and he bumps it with us.
“Do I get some knuckles too?” Isaac asks from across from me.
“You didn’t get an A on your spelling test,” Gabriel gripes.
“But I drew a picture and it’s awesome. I’ll show you!” Isaac says the last part to me and jumps out of his chair, running as fast as his little legs will carry him.
My dad laughs. “That boy is always on the move.”
Isaac dashes back into the room just as Allison starts putting food on the boys’ plates.
“See, Zoey,” Isaac hands me a piece of paper and I flip it over to see the drawing, “it’s our family.”
There’s my dad and Allison, Gabriel, Isaac, baby Rose and—
“Is that me?” I point to the tall girl with wild rainbow-colored hair.
“Yep!” he says proudly.
“And what’s this?” I point at what looks like another person floating above all of us.
“Oh, that’s your mommy. Daddy said your mommy was in heaven watching over you, but I think she’s watching over all of us because we’re your family.”
Gut punch right to the feels.
My dad comes up behind me, placing a glass of water beside my plate and squeezes my shoulder. I look up at him with a watery smile, and mouth, “Thank you.”
He smiles back and takes his seat.
After dinner is done, the boys drag me to their playroom and we play with their Hotwheels for a while, zipping the cars around and around in their tracks.
It’s surprisingly fun. I never thought I’d like spending time with them, but I actually do.
An hour or so later, Allison pokes her head in the door. “Boys, say goodnight to Zoey. It’s time to get you ready for bed.”
“Aw, man!”
“Do we have to?”
“Five more minutes, Mom!”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “March those little booties up the stairs.”
“Goodnight, Zoey.” Gabriel gives me a high-five as he walks by.
“Night-night, Zoey. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Isaac gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Night, boys.”
I start gathering up their toys, and Allison says, “Don’t worry about that. I’ll get it later.”
“It’s not a big deal. I promise.” Pausing with a pile of cars in my hands, I turn to her. “I was thinking … would it be okay if I took the boys to a movie one day?”
Her eyes widen with surprise, her lips parting. “Oh, of course. That would be wonderful. They’d … they’d really love that.” She gets a little choked up. “They’re really excited about the new Spiderman movie coming out.”
“Perfect. I’ll check dates and let you know?”
She nods. “Sounds good.”
When I’ve finished cleaning up, I walk out of the room and down the hall, finding my dad sitting on