Penelope’s POVThe butterfly kite twisted in the wind above our front yard, its purple wings fluttering against the blue sky. Dominic held the string tight while Debbie jumped beside him, clapping her hands.“Higher, Daddy! Make it go higher!”I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face. Three days since that horrible duel, and here he was again.The picnic basket sat open on our porch steps—sandwiches cut into triangles, strawberries still cold from the store, lemonade.My heart hammered when he looked over at me. That grin. God, that grin used to make my knees weak, and apparently it still did.“For Debbie,” I whispered to myself. This was all for Debbie, but the lie tasted sour in my mouth.Watching him now, crouched down to Debbie’s level as he showed her how to control the kite’s movements, I couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through my chest.This was the father Debbie deserved. The father I’d always hoped he could be.“Watch me, Mommy!” Debbie called out. “I’m making it
Last Updated : 2025-09-24 Read more