Page 76 of Turning the Tide

HANNA

I'm not surprised when my phone rings at the exact time Jameson said it would. Ellie's face lights up, rushing over to answer the call.

"Hey, Daddy!" She squeals, beaming into the FaceTime call.

"Hey, Ellie Bear! You look ready for bed," he laughs.

"Yeah, mama said as soon as we hang up, I gotta go to bed."

"Tell your mama I'm sorry, it's been a crazy week. I know nine o'clock is late for you."

I turn the phone to myself, honestly wanting to steal a glance, "It's okay. The monster here looks forward to your calls."

Ellie yanks the phone back, "So when do you come back? It's been forever."

I laugh, "It's not been that long, but I'll be back soon. Right after Christmas, then I shouldn't go anywhere for a while."

Ellie sighs, "Good. Mama is driving me crazy. I need a break."

Jameson roars with laughter, "You be good to your mama. She's the best mama in the whole world."

His words grip my heart, making my lips tilt into a smile, "She's just mad cause I make her mind."

He scoffs, "So do I!"

I roll my eyes, "Sure ya do."

Ellie chirps in, "Eric took me fishing, Daddy! I caught a huge," she looks at me and whispers, "What was it?"

"King Mackerel," I tell her.

Her grin widens, "A king something," She shrugs, "That's fitting since I'm a queen. Anyway, I caught it! All by myself!"

Jameson's smile fades. I'm not sure if it's because Eric took Ellie fishing or just the fact that he's gone and couldn't.

"That's great. You'll have to send me a picture."

"Okay, Dad!"

"So, how is Kindergarten?"

"It's good! My best friend and I call each other every night to make sure we wear our hair the same way."

I roll my eyes. She isn't lying.

"It's exhausting," I chime in.

Jameson's laugh warms my insides, "Sounds fancy."

Ellie giggles, "How the teaching?"

Jameson's smile doesn't reach his eyes, "Not as fun as hanging out with you.

"Do you think I could fly in a plane with you?"

He hesitates before answering, "Uh, you'd have to ask your mom about that."

She turns her puppy dog eyes to me, "We'll see."