The Perfect Child(101)
“I can already tell I’m not going to like Elaine, and I’m not just saying that because she’s not Piper.” He took another sip of his coffee, pausing to nuzzle against Cole’s cheek.
We both knew it wasn’t true. No one would measure up to Piper. She’d taken the time yesterday to check on me even though I should’ve been the one calling to support her since she was the one on her way to be grilled by the private investigator, Ron. He’d interviewed Christopher, too, and Christopher had said it was more intense than the medical malpractice deposition he’d been part of a few years earlier. Neither of us had heard from her last night. I had no idea if it meant things had gone well or terribly wrong. My appointment with Ron was next week. I would be happy when this entire thing was over.
Greg wouldn’t let me near my nephews, and I missed them terribly. My heart ached, especially since I knew Allison would’ve been furious with him because she would’ve thought this entire lawsuit was a joke too. If the roles had been reversed, she never would’ve done something like this. Ever.
But I wasn’t mad at Greg. He was in unimaginable pain and not thinking straight. I wanted to be there for him. Christopher felt the same way. He’d told me he wanted to take Greg out for a beer and just let him talk until he ran out of words or sit in silence until the sun came up. He’d almost called Greg the other night, but our lawyer had told him he had to wait until all the paperwork was finalized.
“I’m ready for another cup,” he said. “Do you want me to fill up yours too?”
“Yes, please,” I said, instantly mad that I’d said please. I was working hard at not sounding so formal. He handed me Cole and headed into the kitchen with our mugs. I laid Cole on my lap just like he’d been on Christopher’s since it was one of his favorite positions. He smiled up at me when I looked down, and I beamed back. I never got tired of looking into his sweet face.
“Hi, little buddy,” I said, taking one of his hands in mine. He wrapped his fingers around mine and tried to pull himself up.
“Ma-ma-ma-ma . . . ,” Cole cooed.
Christopher raced in from the kitchen. “Did he just say Mama?” he asked.
I leaned down, and Cole patted my cheeks with both hands. “Ma-ma-ma-ma.”
Of course he wasn’t saying Mama. He was too young. They were just sounds. But it sounded like it, and there would come a day when he would say Mama in reference to me. He would say Daddy too. I let the tears fall down my cheeks. I looked at Christopher. His eyes were wet as well.
The doorbell rang, interrupting our moment. I looked at the clock above the fireplace: 8:10. I glanced at Christopher. He shrugged. “Do you want me to get it?” he asked.
“Let’s see who it is first,” I said. I peeled back a corner of the curtain and peeked out the window.
“Who is it?” Christopher whispered.
“It’s Piper,” I said. “And the police are with her.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Each book has its own journey. This one was particularly unique. It marked the step into a new and exciting partnership. First and foremost, I want to thank Megha Parekh for continually pulling me back to a normal level of what most people consider “disturbing.” She’s the one who let me know that a child and pet can’t die in the same book. Thanks to Charlotte, who helped me bring the story to another level and pointed out blind spots. Both of you have been amazing to work with. To my husband and son, who give me the space to write and create—thank you so much. I promise someday I will write a story with a happy ending. Just not yet.