Chapter 41
There was a hardware store about three miles from campus that sold everything Sloane would need. She just had to drop off Isla first at Britt’s.
“We’re having a group playdate,” Britt’s husband Finn announced merrily, revealing that Theo was already there when he opened the door to let Sloane in.
“Are you headed to The House for elections tonight? Tell Alex we’re all doing great.
The girls are being unusually docile—I’d be concerned if I weren’t so impressed. ”
“Oh no, no House business for me, I just have to pick something up at the store and run an errand before dinner,” said Sloane, and bent to kiss Isla’s head. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Thanks so much for doing this.”
“Oh, it’s really no trouble—”
“Hey, Finn?” asked Sloane on second thought. “Do you know about … you know.”
Finn, who had bent to remove Isla’s coat, looked quizzically up at her. “Hm?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” Of course he wouldn’t. It wasn’t for him. Sloane knelt beside Isla, taking her pudgy hands to her lips. “Be back soon, sweet girl.”
Isla smiled, and Sloane’s heart filled.
(With tenderness. With certainty.)
(With the sudden reappearance of a forgone beacon of light.)