Nicole before but had gotten nowhere. Nicole didn’t like her input on parenting philosophies. She’d point out that since Sara herself wasn’t a mother, she didn’t understand how things should be. She’d wanted to tell her that she spent more time with Kaylee than Nicole did, but it was one of many times she’d bitten her tongue for the sake of family peace. But none of that mattered now. She had to remain positive; otherwise, it would influence Kaylee’s mood further, and she didn’t want that. So she pulled her car out of the line and over to the side before putting it into Park. Then she turned and put a hand over her niece’s. “Sweetie, listen to me,” she said gently and waited until Kaylee was looking up at her. “You’ve barely seen your mom in days because of the snow. She’s taking off this afternoon just for you. She’s missed you so much. You’re going to have such an amazing time.” When Kaylee appeared skeptical, Sara reached up and tapped her forehead lightly. “You better keep notes for me up there. I want to hear all about it tonight.”
“It’ll be all ’bout Maisie,” Kaylee said with an eyeroll that had Sara grinning despite herself. “She’ll have one of those big bows in her hair again. They’re always pink too, Sarie. Does she not have any other colors?”
Don’t laugh, don’t laugh. Keep it together. Sara bit her tongue so hard she was surprised it was still attached. The kid was so darned cute, it was nearly impossible to remain composed. Then she did something that she knew every parenting book preached against, but dammit, she wanted Kaylee to have fun with Nicole and not dread it so much that she missed out on what could be some much-needed mother-daughter bonding. She lowered her voice conspiratorially and motioned Kaylee closer. “Can you keep a secret?” Kaylee’s eyes widened as she nodded enthusiastically. “Your mom says all that nice stuff about Maisie because she feels sorry for her.” She pointed to Kaylee’s blue jeans, with the colorful butterfly and rainbow patches. “See how adorable and different you’re dressed? That makes you very unique. Do you know what that word means?”
Kaylee sat there for a moment appearing deep in thought. Finally, she said, “It’s a good thing, right? That’s why you’re smiling, Sarie.”
Nodding, Sara said, “It’s a great thing. You’re different in the absolute best way.” She pointed to where Kaylee’s heart was located before adding, “You glow on the inside and outside. You’re like a shooting star crossed with the brightest sun. You’re so very special, and your mom just wants other kids to feel as awesome as you make her feel.”
“Really?” Kaylee whispered.
“Absolutely, sweetheart,” Sara said confidently. “Now remember, this is just between us. We don’t want your mom to stop doing her good deeds, do we?”
“Oh no, Sarie, we don’t. Maisie needs lots of those too. She might wear some yellow one day if Mommy keeps trying.”
“Wow, I bet you’re right.” Sara grinned. “Now let’s get you in school so you won’t be late. And before you know it, your mom will be here to pick you up, okay?”
She couldn’t believe the difference that one little bending of the truth had made in Kaylee’s attitude. She was practically bouncing on the seat in excitement. She didn’t consider it a lie because she knew Nicole thought her daughter was special. She just didn’t know how to communicate that in a way that Kaylee understood, at least not yet.
Sara eased the car back into the drop-off line and said good-bye to Kaylee before pulling back out into the street and heading to the mall. Since she had a rare day off, she planned to do some long overdue shopping and of course return some items for Nicole. She parked on the end next to Starbucks and ordered a white chocolate mocha latte and a blueberry scone. She found a quiet table near the back and settled down to enjoy her breakfast. When she pulled her phone out of her purse and saw the e-mail alert, her heart skipped a beat. Don’t get excited. It’s not him. You probably won’t hear from him again. It’s over. She kept repeating some version of that to herself, but her fingers trembled as she clicked to check her mail folder and saw his name. Oh my God. She leaned over as if to block the rest of the world out as she began reading his