Chapter Twenty-Six
K ERRIE
“You’re looking super happy this morning,” Sophie said as I sat down at the table beside me.
“I am.”
“Could it be because of a certain tall, dark, and handsome cop?” My daughter teased.
I covered my face, trying not to smile.
When I didn’t answer, she continued. “So, Mya and I were talking about how cool it’d be if we ended up being sisters.”
I laughed, dropping my hands. “I think I’ll be taking things slow for a bit, kiddo.”
“I know, but there is a possibility, you know. We’re not giving up hope.”
I slid my chair back. “I’ll keep you posted. Listen, I have an errand I need to run. Can you keep an eye on Nella and Tommy for me?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks, sweetie. I shouldn’t be too long.”
I tucked an envelope into my purse, grabbed my keys, and headed out to the minivan. I’d taken a page out of Piper’s greeting cards for exes book. Even though Hal had been such a thorn in my side, I realized I needed to have a working relationship with him for the sake of the kids.
He’d been in the wrong on so many fronts, but I’d also made some mistakes along the way. Even if we never liked each other again, we still had three beautiful children together. One way or another, we had to communicate.
I listened to soft rock music as I made my way across town. Several times, I contemplated turning back around. However, I needed to have closure, too, just like Piper had talked about. Besides, I was truly ready to move on now. Not just by making amends with Hal, but in every aspect of my life. The kids would always be my main focus, but I also had a new relationship with Demarcus that was going well. He made me feel special and wanted in a way I hadn’t in a while. We were taking it slow, for both of us, and having things wrapped up with Hal would allow me to truly concentrate on this connection.
Emotions overcame me when I saw our old house, bringing with it a flood of memories, both good and bad. We’d hosted Christmas get-togethers, birthday parties, and family dinners here. We’d also had each of our kids while living in the house.
At the end of the day, I had to remind myself that Hal and I did love one another once.
I parked in the driveway and climbed from the car. Palms sweaty, I went to the side door. Before I could leave the card, knock, or even run away, the door swung open to reveal Hal with tousled hair, wearing a blue flannel shirt and a pair of jeans.
“Kerrie, hi. What are you doing here?” He watched me with hesitant eyes.
“I, um, well, I had a card I was going to give you.”
“It’s not my birthday or anything.”
“I know.” I fumbled inside my purse and took the envelope from it. “Look, I just wanted you to know, I forgive you. The only thing I ask is that you try to be a good dad. The kids miss you and need you. And even if we’re not on good terms, it shouldn’t determine what kind of relationship you have with Sophie, Nella, and Tommy.”
Hal nodded. Emotion flashed across his face as his eyes welled with tears. “I’m sorry, too. I never meant for any of this to happen. I should’ve been more of an adult about the divorce. Believe it or not, I’m thankful you said something to my family. They needed to know. Once you left, I realized I put you through so much. Having my parents know what was going on actually lifted a burden from my shoulders. I know I’m an asshole, and I have lots to learn about parenting, and now co-parenting, but I promise I’ll get my shit together. No more women in and out, at least, not while the kids are here. And speaking of the kids, I’d like to maybe have dinner with them sometime this week.”
“They’d like that.” Tears welling in my own eyes, I reached forward and gave him a hug. “I’ll call you later to let you know a day and time. In the meantime, take care of yourself.”
I handed him the ‘Good luck with your future’ greeting card for my ex. I really did hope he had a brighter future. I’d never wish ill on him. Maybe once upon a time, I would’ve, but I knew the guy he could be. He just needed to find him again.
As I climbed into the van again, I realized I wouldn’t have been able to do this a few months ago. With Maude and Piper at my side, they’d given me courage, friendship, and a new family. We needed one another. Even though it was my divorce that led me to All For You Greeting Cards, I was grateful for the friendships I’d made. One thing was for sure, no matter what happened now, I knew I’d always have people beside me who cared.