Ethan

“Daddy!” Paisley’s sweet voice whispers in my ear, as one of her sharp little fingers jabs my side. “Daddy, are you awakes?”

My eyes are still closed, and it feels as though I just fell asleep a moment ago. I’m not sure what time it is, but I know something must be up if Paisley is trying to wake me. Normally she climbs right into bed with me and snuggles up without a word, perfectly content to snooze until I’m ready to get up – even if her tummy is growling with hunger, she’ll happily choose cuddles over food.

“Daddy,” she whispers again, giving me another prod.

“No.” I moan, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically. “I’m asleep.”

“Daddy!” Paisley giggles, the sweet sound lifting my sleepy spirits. “I’m serious.”

“So am I” I grumble, pulling the covers up over my head to hide from the adorable creature.

A moment later the duvet is yanked back down, and Paisley is sitting on my chest, determined to interrupt my rest. “Daddy I needs to talk to you.”

Begrudgingly I peek one eye open, assessing the serious pup and the low light filtering in through the windows. The sun must barely be rising, but my daughter’s beautiful green eyes are completely alert.

What’s wrong princess?” I ask, encouraging her to lie down agáin. She happily agrees, sprawling on my broad chest and resting her cheek against my shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking.” She says.

“Mhmm, about what?” I encourage, petting her tiny limbs.

that this isn’t actually true. “But

forced it back down, telling myself I was being selfish, putting my needs above theirs. When I don’t respond, Paisley presses on. “You could take me for a visits, see everyone again, and then

That way if I don’t survive, she’ll already be with Jane and her siblings when they get the news. Nina won’t have to bear

sweetheart. I know.” I confirm, stroking her dark hair. With her perspective in mind, I can’t think of any reason to say no. Paisley is giving me the perfect excuse to see my beloved

bit more tightly. “We should go for a visit – as

tell Matthew my decision, he heartily agrees, but Nina is another matter entirely. I tell her my decision over breakfast, waiting until Paisley left for school before

the piece of toast balanced between her perfectly manicured fingers, “Are

want my family’s last memory of me to be that day at the rest stop – when I took Paisley away. I want

undo everything you’ve been working for these last few months.” Nina objects, shifting restlessly

And I can tell the other pups.” I insist. “Besides, this way Paisley will be with Jane and her brothers and sister already. You

like you’re expecting the worst to happen.” Nina frowns. “Are you planning

even though I know it’s well-intentioned. “I”m just trying to be realistic, Nina. I have a fifty-fifty chance. I don’t want to leave this earth with things unfinished. I

But if you’re going

sigh. “I’m not Sure how Jane or the pups would

to see your ex and left me

course, I think. Our marriage. The one you’re determined to make happen and that I’m going along with because

one neither of us will be happy in,

may be times I want to be alone with

Nina smiles gently. “We’re

This trip can be a good thing for us, as long as we

intrusive thoughts banging on the door to my consciousness. Thoughts about how calculating Nina is, how determined she seems to become Luna, and how little she seems to care for anything else. I know that isn’t entirely fair of me – there’s nothing inherently wrong with ambition and Nina explained why it was so important

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255