Page 319 of What We Brave
"We miss them," she says. "So much, Blake. Two weeks a year isn't—it's not enough. They're growing up and we're missing it."
"I know."
"I want to be there for the school plays," David says quietly. "The soccer games. The ordinary Tuesdays. Not just Christmas and birthdays."
My hands tighten on the steering wheel. My chest feels full, tight, like something's trying to crack open.
Eight months of work.
Every evening. Every weekend.
For this. For them. For the chance to give them what they're already asking for.
"Well," I say, keeping my voice steady. "Maybe we can figure something out."
David looks at me. I keep my eyes on the road, but I can feel him studying my profile. That same look he had seven years ago in Guatemala, when he was trying to decide if I was worth trusting.
He knows something's up. He doesn't push.
"Maybe," he says.
We turn onto our road. The house comes into view through the trees—the main house, where the kids are probably pressing their faces against the window right now.
But I don't stop there.
I drive past the main house, around the curve of the driveway, and pull up in front of the guest house.
Six hundred square feet of cedar and glass, tucked into the trees like it grew there. A covered porch with two rocking chairs. Smoke already curling from the chimney—Reid must have come down earlier to start the wood stove. Laine must have strung the christmas lights along the porch railing, giving everything a colorful glow.
I put the truck in park. Kill the engine.
Silence.
David and Mary are both staring through the windshield. Not moving. Not speaking.
I watch their faces. Watch the moment it lands.
Mary's hand comes up to cover her mouth. David's jaw tightens, eyes blinking furiously.
They know.
Maybe not the details. Maybe not the specifics. But they know this isn't just a building. They know it means something.
"Blake." Mary's voice is barely a whisper. "What is this?"
I open my door. Step out. Walk around to her side and open it for her.
"Come inside," I say. "Let me show you."
58
LAINE
"SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!"
Iris is standing in the middle of the living room, shouting at the door like she's been doing for the past ten minutes. She has no idea what she's saying or why, but she's committed.
Caleb and June gave up five minutes ago. They're lying on the floor in front of the wood stove, giggling at nothing, high on anticipation and the cookies Reid let them have to buy patience.
