Chapter 12: Roots and Wings
Spring returned to Cedar Cove, bringing with it bright wildflowers and warm ocean breezes. Lily’s hair had grown into a full, soft crop of light brown curls that framed her bright, smiling face.
Dustin kept his word. Every two weeks, he drove down to Cedar Cove. He stayed at a local motel and spent afternoons with Lily at the park or the beach. Without Eleanor’s overwhelming presence, Dustin slowly learned how to be a father—listening to Lily’s stories, playing in the sand, and learning to laugh again.
He and Maya maintained a peaceful, respectful distance, focused entirely on Lily’s well-being.
""Daddy helped me build a sandcastle today, Mommy,"" Lily announced one evening while washing her hands for dinner. ""A huge one with a moat.""
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""That sounds wonderful, sweetie,"" Maya said, handing her a towel. ""How did it feel?""
""It felt good,"" Lily smiled, her hazel eyes shining with unburdened joy.
