THE HOUSE ETHAN COLE BUILT FOR TWO
Chapter 10
Lily’s first day at school was harder.
She stood beside the front door holding her backpack.
Ethan crouched in front of her.
“You okay?”
She nodded.
He waited.
She shook her head.
“No.”
Ethan smiled gently.
“That’s okay.”
“What if they don’t like me?”
“They will.”
“You don’t know.”
“You’re right.”
Lily looked at him.
“So?”
Ethan thought.
“So you’ll give them time.”
She nodded.
“And if they don’t?”
Ethan adjusted her backpack.
“Then we’ll figure it out.”
She looked at the school.
Then back at him.
“Will you be here when I finish?”
“Yes.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
She walked toward the entrance.
Halfway there, she turned around.
Ethan was still standing there.
He raised his hand.
She smiled.
Then disappeared inside.
Ethan stayed for another few seconds.
Only then did he turn toward his truck.
For the first time in years, his day had a deadline.
He had somewhere to be.
Someone waiting.
