In some way they were. I now don’t feel, or at least not as strongly, that I’m competing against someone.
I try my best not to think about Em—Melanie—but I’m not always successful.
Keith’s hands around my waist tighten. As if he can read my thoughts, he says, “I’m happy that you came into my life, Clementine. Let’s not think about the hows and whys.”
43
KEITH
I wake up to the smell of hot coffee and my gaze lands on the clock on my nightstand. It’s five minutes before five.
I get up in a rush when a shadow looms over me. I’m about to grab my gun when Mere puts her nimble fingers over my biceps.
“Relax, Dad. It’s just me.” She turns on the light and I notice there are two coffee mugs sitting on my nightstand.
“What’s going on, sweetheart?” I lean back, looking at her in confusion.
“I thought…maybe we could talk for a while before your big day.” Mere sits cross-legged opposite me after passing me a coffee mug.
“It’s our big day. Your life won’t stay the same either.” I nudge her feet with mine as she sips her hot chocolate.
“I know.” A grin spreads across her face, moving all herfreckles. It abates some of my nervousness caused by her uncharacteristic morning appearance on my wedding day. “I’m happy, Dad. I know Mom would be too.”
I nod, believing in my daughter’s words.
“You remember the first days…when it was just us. You used to take me to the park every day.” Mere puts her cup on the nightstand and then crawls next to me. She settles under my arm, laying her head over my chest, like she used to do as a kid. “I loved it. Our home was too quiet. I used to miss Mom a lot.” My heart pounds faster and my chest clenches hearing her words. “Then you started telling me about her. I liked it for a while, until she was all we ever talked about.” My grip on her shoulders tightens. “I wanted to talk about us, you and me.”
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
“It’s okay, Dad. I knew you needed her for a bit longer.” She turns her head and places a kiss on my arm. “But the last few months have been wonderful.”
“I think so too, kiddo.” My throat constricts as I realize, once again, how I’d drowned Mere in my own selfish grief. I’m so thankful to Clementine for rescuing us before it was too late.
I place a kiss on her forehead and press her tightly against me.
A few minutes pass until she wiggles and gets out of the bed. “I got you a wedding gift.” She bounces on her feet with a wide smile on her face.
I lean backward, my back hitting the headboard. “I’m not going to say no to a present. Today is my day after all,” I joke, and when she laughs, my whole world shines. There couldn’t have been a better start to today.
Mere gets on her knees before dragging something from under my bed.
“I see you were very busy this morning.”
“I had to be. It’s my dad’s big day.” She giggles before handing me something, which feels like a painting, wrapped in red, glittery paper.
“Shouldn’t you give this to Clem and me together?” I ask, carefully inspecting the large package.
“She got hers already.” Mere cocks her head toward the golden paper starlight, which looks like a Christmas decoration.
I’m sure it’s some inside joke or secret between them. Before I can ponder more on it, Mere says, “This is a special gift for you.” Her eyes sparkle as I remove the wrapping paper.
My fingers on the glass tingle as warmth radiates through my chest. “This is beautiful, kiddo. When did you take it?” It’s a picture of our house-warming party. Everyone is seated at the dining table, guys from Kings Security, Clem’s siblings, and us.
Mere poking her head between Clem and me. There is a wide smile on my face.
I look different. I look happy.
“Uncle Gavin took it. Actually, he took several. This was the best.” She nervously fidgets before asking, “Can we hang it in your room?”