He looked down at Lily’s hand.
“She needs somebody normal.”
Marlene said nothing.
“House.”
“Family.”
“Minivan.”
“Somebody who knows what the hell school lunches are supposed to look like.”
Marlene looked toward his leather vest.
“What do you think a guardian looks like?”
“Not me.”
“That was not my question.”
Wade glared.
She remained calm.
“You have a home?”
“Yes.”
“Employment?”
“I own a business.”
“Criminal convictions that legally prohibit guardianship?”
Wade paused.
“Assault.”
“How long ago?”
“Twenty-seven years.”
“Anything involving children?”
“No.”
“Domestic violence?”
“No.”
“Substance dependency?”
“No.”
“Active charges?”
“No.”
She nodded.
“You’re doing better than some minivans.”
Wade almost smiled.
Almost.
Marlene became serious.
“The attorney is bringing documents in the morning.”
“We will also contact child services because Lily is a minor who has lost her sole custodial parent.”
Wade’s jaw tightened.
“What happens tonight?”
“She stays here.”
“And me?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“Whether you’re willing to remain.”
He looked toward the toy cuff.
“I gave my word.”
Marlene nodded.
“Then tonight is handled.”
Around 1:20 a.m., Lily woke.
The nurse had dimmed the room.
Wade was still in the chair.
Still cuffed.
Lily looked toward the empty doorway.
“Dad?”
Wade’s heart broke.
He leaned forward.
“Kiddo.”
She saw his face.
Children knew.
Even before words.
“Where is he?”
Wade looked toward Marlene, who had returned.
She nodded gently.
Wade could not make his mouth work.
Lily’s breathing quickened.
“Uncle Bear.”
“I’m here.”
“Where is Dad?”
Wade lowered his head until their eyes were level.
“Aaron…”
He stopped.
Lily started crying before he finished.
“No.”
Wade’s voice broke.
“He was in an accident.”
“No.”
“The doctors tried.”
“No.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No!”
She yanked against the toy handcuff.
Wade immediately moved with her so it would not pull her wrist.
Lily screamed.
“My dad is coming back!”
Wade swallowed.
“I wish he was.”
“You’re lying!”
“I wish I was.”
She hit his chest with her free hand.
Hard for an eight-year-old.
Again.
Again.
“You’re lying!”
Wade let her.
The nurse moved.
Marlene shook her head.
Not yet.
Lily hit him until she did not have strength left.
Then she collapsed against him.
The pink handcuff twisted between them.
Wade held her carefully, terrified of the IV line.
She screamed into his shirt.
“You said he knew you’d come!”
“He did.”
“He said he was coming!”