Winds of Heaven by Kate Sweeney

teeth.
    “Mama mad,” Skye said, looking up at Casey.
    “No, sweet pea. Mommy’s not angry.” Liz sighed tiredly.
    Casey leaned back, then it struck her. “How about some of that ice cream you had me buy?”
    Liz’s eyes lit up and she nodded happily. Casey turned and walked into the kitchen. “I help Cafey ,” her shadow said, waddling behind.
     
    The three of them sat on the front porch eating ice cream. Casey realized that she had never really liked ice cream. What a ridiculous thing to think of. She was missing what Liz was saying.
    “Sorry. What?” Casey asked as she looked up. Liz Kennedy was a very attractive young woman. Her blue eyes sparkled against the glow of the citronella candle on the table as she fed Skye ice cream out of her bowl.
    Casey shook her head in wonderment as she looked around. Citronella, instead of a roaring fire; ice cream instead of a martini. Liz Kennedy instead of…
    “I asked if you were involved with anyone,” Liz repeated absently as she laughed at her daughter.
    “Oh. No, I’m—”
    “Single? I got the impression from Julie you were good with the ladies,” Liz said and turned red.
    Casey’s green eyes danced wickedly. “She was right. I am, and I enjoy the company of a couple women. I enjoy my freedom,” she added, and for the first time in her life, she felt like she was defending herself. She did not like that feeling at all. Her grandmother’s smirking face flashed through her mind.
    “Hmm.” Liz grunted as she fed Skye.
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Casey was getting irritated as she took a spoonful of ice cream.
    “You just haven’t met the right one yet.”
    “Christ, now you sound like my grandmother,” she countered sarcastically, “and Roger.” She saw the questioning look on Liz’s face. “My lawyer and sometime friend.”
    “I see. He likes to act as your conscience?”
    “Yes, it’s quite annoying.”
    Liz smiled and looked at the near full moon rising over the tree line. “I see why you like it up here.” She sighed pensively as she and Skye rocked on the porch swing.
    Skye then struggled off the swing and waddled up to Casey, who was leaning against the porch railing. She looked down and frowned. “What? Uppie again?” she asked gruffly and Skye wrinkled her nose.
    “’Gen...” She reached up her hands.
    In one effortless movement, Casey grumbled and lifted her into her arms. Skye wrapped her arms around her neck and laid her head on her shoulder, playing with her necklace.
    Liz grinned while Casey continued frowning but said nothing. “She likes you. I guess you do have a way with the ladies, Ms. Bennett.” She let out a groan, struggling again to get up. Casey reached over, offered her hand, and helped her to her feet.
    “In about three months, it’s not going to be that easy,” Liz said with a groan. “C’mon, Skye. Time for beddy -bye.”
    Skye clung to Casey’s neck and Casey pushed the child back. “Go on now, Shortround , listen to your mom,” she found herself saying.
    “Say night-night to Casey, sweet pea,” Liz whispered as she took the child.
    “Ni- ni ,” Skye said, reaching back to kiss Casey on the cheek.
    Even in the darkness, Liz saw the color rise in Casey’s face.
    “ G’night , Shortround ,” she said awkwardly and grinned as the girl waved.
    Liz walked in; she turned and smiled, “I think I may join her. Ni- ni , Cafey .”
    Casey grinned sarcastically. “You’re hysterical. Good night.” She watched Liz disappear into the cabin. Skye waved once more and Casey raised her hand, then quickly scratched her head.

    Nature called for poor Liz. She struggled getting out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. “She’s sleeping right on my bladder.” Liz yawned loudly.
    As she walked back, she thought she would check on the other child in the living room.
    Casey lay on the couch, her feet over the end. “God, she’s tall,” Liz whispered as she picked up the sheet that had fallen on