The Perfect Mistake (The Connovan Chronicles #2)

by Olivia Hayle

“Is it nice to have a sister? I’ve always wanted a sister,” Willa says. She’s chatting happily, talking with Isabel without an ounce of animosity. “I’ve asked Dad for one before but he said no.” “You’ve also asked me for a pet just as often,” I tell her. It doesn’t seem like a particularly deep want either. Sometimes it’s a cat, sometimes a dog, and on a few occasions a guinea pig. I can’t think of anything I want to cohabit with less than a guinea pig. “Yes, and you always say no,” she says. Isabel hides her smile behind her hand. “Well, I’m sure your dad knows best. At least most of the time.” “Yes, and you need a mommy to get a sister,” Willa says sagely. She digs into her pancake with her fork. “And we don’t have a mommy anymore.” The statement is matter-of-fact. It’s not pained, sad, or bothered. She and Sam are rarely troubled about Victoria, accepting her absence as a fact of life. They have questions. Concerns, sometimes, about what to tell their friends if they get asked. I’ve tried my best to navigate it all. But while Willa and Sam continue eating with the same happy air, Isabel and I have gone still. “No, I’m sorry about that,” Isabel says with a glance at me. “Thank you,” Sam says. His mouth is full of food, and he clearly has no idea what he’s thanking her for. It breaks the tension, and I chuckle. Isabel joins in, and then Willa, and then Sam himself, even though he definitely doesn’t know why. God, this is what I do it all for. For them. I’m all they have, ...