Chapter 11: The New Life
Three months after the final custody hearing, Sawyer and Gracie had settled into a new rhythm.
They had moved into a smaller but cozy house closer to Gracie’s school. Sawyer had taken a slight pay cut to work fewer hours so he could be home more often. The change had been worth it.
Every morning, he made breakfast while Gracie got ready for school. Every evening, they ate dinner together and talked about their day. On weekends, they went to the park, watched movies, or worked on small projects around the house.
Gracie was slowly becoming the bright, talkative little girl she used to be before everything happened.
One Saturday morning, as they were making pancakes together, Gracie looked up at him and asked a question that caught Sawyer off guard.
“Dad, do you think Mom misses me?”
Sawyer paused, carefully flipping a pancake.
“I’m sure she does,” he answered honestly. “But missing someone and being good for them are two different things.”
Gracie was quiet for a moment.
“I still love her,” she said softly. “But I don’t want to live with her anymore. I like it here with just us.”
Sawyer smiled and ruffled her hair.
“I like it here with just us too.”
Later that day, while Gracie was playing in the backyard, Sawyer received a text from Caroline’s lawyer. She was requesting increased visitation rights now that some time had passed.
He stared at the message for a long time before replying.
May you like
He wasn’t against Gracie seeing her mother eventually. But he wasn’t going to rush anything. Gracie’s safety and emotional well-being would always come first.
For now, their small, peaceful life together was exactly what both of them needed.
