THE LIFE ETHAN COLE NEVER EXPECTED
Chapter 6
It happened slowly.
June began coming to dinner.
At first, once a week.
Then twice.
Then whenever she finished work early.
She learned Lily’s favorite meals.
Lily learned June’s favorite songs.
They began arguing over movies.
June always won.
Ethan pretended to be offended.
One evening, Lily fell asleep on the couch.
June carefully pulled a blanket over her.
Ethan watched from the kitchen.
“You don’t have to do that.”
June looked at him.
“I know.”
She adjusted the blanket.
“That’s why I want to.”
Ethan leaned against the doorway.
“You know she’s important to me.”
June nodded.
“I know.”
“And I don’t want…”
He stopped.
June waited.
Ethan struggled with the words.
“I don’t want her to think anyone is replacing anyone.”
June understood.
She walked closer.
“I’m not here to replace anyone.”
Ethan looked at her.
“I’m here because I love you.”
The room became very quiet.
June reached for his hand.
“And because I love her.”
Ethan closed his eyes for a second.
When he opened them, June was still there.
The same woman who had served him coffee when he was a stranger.
The same woman who had watched him slowly become part of Greyhaven.
The same woman who had somehow become part of his home.
He squeezed her hand.
“Okay.”
