The Only One For Me. Bridget Anderson

lump formed in Corra’s throat, big enough to choke a horse. How long would she keep telling her children their father was working in California, and had to stay for a few years? They coped with the divorce pretty well because they were so young. But what was she doing to Jamie?

      Corra kneeled down to Jamie and smiled. “Honey, you know your daddy’s working in California, but I promise you he’ll be home soon.”

      “Why doesn’t he call us?”

      The sad look in his eyes tore Corra’s heart apart. A few months ago he asked for his daddy, and cried himself to sleep.

      She lowered her head. “Baby—”

      “Your dad asked me to take care of you until he gets back,” Rollin said as he walked up. “Is it okay if Uncle Rollin pitches in for a while?”

      Jamie nodded and stepped back from Corra. She stood up with tears so big she could hardly see her baby.

      “Hey, Jamie, why don’t you go see if your sister wants an ice cream cone. My treat.” Rollin pulled a few bills from his pocket and gave them to Jamie.

      “Okay, thanks.” Wide-eyed, Jamie took off in the direction of his sister and Tayler who were sitting on a bench still eating.

      Corra dug into her purse for a tissue and wiped her eyes. Eric’s absence was getting harder to cover up.

      “Why do you keep telling him that?” Rollin asked.

      “Because one day he’ll be back.”

      “Do you want him back?” Rollin looked a little stunned by her answer.

      She stopped wiping her eyes. “Hell no, I don’t want him back. But right now Jamie needs him in his life. As long as Eric’s parents are here he’ll eventually come back.”

      “You truly don’t know where he is, do you?” Rollin asked.

      “No I don’t.”

      “Well, maybe you should find out for the kids’ sake.”

      She nodded. “I was thinking the same thing when I watched all the fathers and sons gather for pictures. Jamie barely smiled for the picture.”

      “Why don’t you bite the bullet and contact his sister, Cookie? I heard she’s a changed woman now that she’s found religion. I bet she knows how to reach him. He needs to be a father to his children.”

      The tears started again and Corra blotted her eyes. She didn’t like to let the kids see her cry. Rollin was right. She needed a plan to do something she dreaded, but knew she had to do. Find Eric.