A few days later.
Sherilyn had finished packing up, ready to move to Starfall Drive.
The night before, she’d sent Gilbert a message.
He replied, but his response was brief.
[I understand.]
Just those few words.
Early the next morning.
Sherilyn took Jenna downstairs. Jenna clutched the Minnie Mouse doll James had given her.
Mommy, where are we moving to?
Sophia had already told her they’d be moving today.
We’re moving to Starfall Drive, Sherilyn explained. “The house there is big too,
with two gardens one in front and one in back-and there’s a swing set…
She’d had that installed just for Jenna.
Your room will be just like this one, and all your toys will come with us.
Oh. Jenna nodded, satisfied.
Chin lifted, she peered at the door. Daddy’s so busy lately. We’re moving today,
but he isn’t back yet. How can we move if Daddy isn’t here?
In her mind, moving house was something a family did together.
Jenna… Sherilyn felt a pang in her chest, hesitating as she tried to find the right words.
Jenna.
A tall figure stepped through the doorway-Gilbert had arrived.
Daddy!
Jenna’s face lit up. She ran straight to him. Daddy’s home!
Hey there. Gilbert bent down, scooping his daughter into his arms and pulling her close.
He breathed in the sweet scent of his little girl, holding her tightly, as if letting go would tear him apart.
Now that Daddy’s home, we can go! Jenna wrapped her arms around his neck, beaming at Sherilyn. Mommy, Daddy’s here-can we leave now?
Gilbert followed his daughter’s gaze and looked at Sherilyn. She stood there, graceful and poised.
She met his eyes and smiled. You made it.
He nodded, a gentle smile on his lips. Let’s go.
Okay.
Their cars rolled out in a neat line, heading toward the Starfall Drive house.
Sophia was already there, opening the door for them.
As soon as they arrived, everyone got busy, carrying in bags and boxes, setting things in place. With so many hands helping, it didn’t take long at all.
By the time everything was ready, it wasn’t even eleven o’clock.
Gilbert checked his watch and set Jenna down on the sofa, speaking to Sherilyn.
It’s about time for me to go.
Sherilyn stood up. I’ll see you out.
I want to walk Daddy out too! Jenna jumped down from the sofa,
g her father’s hand as they
walked to the front hall. Daddy, don’t work too hard, okay?
She hesitated, then asked, Daddy, will you come back tonight and have dinner with Mommy and me?
Gilbert’s expression darkened. He glanced at Sherilyn, whose face mirrored his
own.
Some things, sooner or later, had to be faced.
Jenna. Gilbert knelt down in front of his daughter, holding her small, soft hands.
I’m sorry, sweetheart. Daddy can’t come back tonight to have dinner with you and Mommy.
Why not? Jenna’s big, round eyes blinked, her lips starting to pout. Daddy’s always busy, always gone. Jenna doesn’t like it.
It’s not that… Gilbert shook his head, his heart aching at the look of disappointment on her face.
What I mean is… from now on,
Daddy won’t be living here with you and Mommy anymore. You and Mommy will stay here, and Daddy… Daddy will live somewhere else.