Chapter Twenty-Eight: Nothing Left to Live For

Beth

As the door shut behind Raphael, I turned to find Nana Charlie standing in the entryway to the kitchen, leaning heavily on her walker, while Lucy stood beside her with wide eyes.

“Mommy!” She half -whispered, “You kissed Uncle Rafe!”

“No! I didn’t! It was just—He kissed me!” I blurted out, feeling my face turn cherry red under my daughter's accusing stare.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Lucy said, sounding more like a little grown up than a six-year-old. “Uncle Rafe is fun. It’s okay if you like him.” She stopped and tipped her little face up. Her expression was very solemn. “I approve.”

“You, what?” I was too flabbergasted to make a complete sentence. Was my six-year-old giving me her permission to date?

“He likes you, too. I can tell.” She stated confidently.

“You can tell……