Page 118 of Where We Stay

“What can I do?”

I hand her a cutting board. “You’re on tomatoes.”

“Yes, chef,” she says with a mock salute.

And just like that, the three of us fall into place around the kitchen.

* * *

Dinner passes with Aspen barely pausing long enough to breathe, still over the moon about having Blair here. Afterward, we settle into the living room to watch Finding Nemo—a personal favorite in this house.

Aspen sits on her pink beanbag in front of the couch while Blair and I sit behind her. I rest my arm along the back cushion, brushing my fingers against Blair’s neck where Pen can’t see.

Just enough to let her know I haven’t forgotten she’s here.

Or what she said about dessert.

By the time the credits roll, Aspen is rubbing her eyes.

“All right, baby girl,” I say. “Time for bed.”

She stands and stretches with a huge yawn, confirming she’s well and truly exhausted.

“Say goodnight to Blair.”

Aspen runs over to hug her but, instead of letting go, climbs onto Blair’s lap and curls into her chest.

Fuck.

Blair wraps her arms around Pen without hesitation, resting her cheek against the top of her head.

Something deep in my chest shifts.

This is what I’ve been trying not to picture.

Blair here. With us. Fitting into spaces I never meant to open.

“Sweet dreams, my little sunflower,” Blair murmurs, kissing Aspen’s cheek.

“Will you be here when I wake up?” Aspen asks, giving Blair the full force of her puppy-dog eyes.

“I’m not sure, Pen.” Blair glances at me before continuing. “But maybe you and your dad could come see my garden tomorrow?”

Aspen turns those puppy-dog eyes on me.

“Fine by me,” I tell her.

“Okay!” She scrambles off Blair’s lap and grabs my hand. “Come on, Daddy. I need to sleep so tomorrow comes faster.”

Blair mouths sorry as Aspen drags me toward the hallway.

I shake my head, smiling.

It’s not like I mind.

I was already planning on seeing Blair tomorrow anyway.

In Aspen’s room, I pull back her comforter and tuck her in.