I could see it. Caelyn in the kitchen cooking with my dad. She and my mom giving him a hard time. She would’ve fit right in. I cleared my throat. “He would’ve loved you.”

She crossed to the sink, picking up the bowl and rinsing it out. “Then the least I can do is make some cheesy eggs in his honor.”

And that’s what we did. Caelyn walked me through her process and as she did, that picture of my dad became a little clearer. The image of his hands less blurry. Caelyn was a miracle, giving me back my family without even knowing it.

27

Caelyn

“You’re sure you feel up to it?” I surveyed Ava’s and Mia’s faces. I had already called Mr. Walters and asked for the day off because I assumed the girls would want to stay home from school. To rest, recover. I should’ve known better.

Mia nodded as she ate her last spoonful of cheesy eggs. “If I don’t go to school, then I can’t go to gymnastics with Katie. I don’t want to miss it.”

Ava stood, taking her plate to the sink. “I have a book report I need to turn in.”

Will eyed me from across the table. “I’ll stay home.”

I crossed my eyes at him. “Sorry, pal. You’re stuck in boring old history today.”

He shrugged. “It was worth a try.”

Griffin chuckled as he stood and picked up Mia’s plate. “I would’ve tried, too. I hated history. Always got the dates for stuff mixed up.”

My eyes caught on something as he grabbed Mia’s silverware. Colorful string woven in a rainbow pattern. I tried to swallow the lump of emotion. It was no use. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

“Oh, boy. What now?” Will asked as he looked at me incredulously. “How in the world can you be getting teary about history class?”

Griffin was in front of me in a flash. “What is it? What’s wrong? Does your head hurt?”

“No. No. I’m fine.” I quickly wiped at my eyes, giving him a watery smile. “You’re wearing Mia’s bracelet.”

He glanced down at the string on his wrist. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Good. It’s good,” I croaked.

“It’s the best,” Mia said, hopping off her chair.

Griffin gave me a wary look. “I can never tell with your tears. They’re really disconcerting.”

I burst out laughing, and Will shook his head. “I keep telling her she needs to get plugs.”

I pointed my fork at Will and then Griffin. “You’re both on my you-know-what list. I can’t help when they surface.” I took pity on the slightly fearful expression still on Griffin’s face. “Most of the time, they’re happy tears.”

“Mm-hmm,” he muttered.