Even he knew that wasn’t what he should be ordering. He quirked a brow at the little girl. “How about some fruit?”
Forty-five minutes later, Marcus had ordered enough food to feed a family of four for a month. He closed the laptop and to his surprise, Lillie remained at his side looking at him with those big eyes that reminded him of Tyler. Nervous again, he stood and went into the kitchen, but she followed him.
“I’m thirsty.”
“I can give you some water.” He opened the refrigerator and found a container of orange juice and milk he knew wasn’t there the last time he was home. “Or milk or orange juice.”
“Juice, please.”
Marcus poured her a glass and handed it to her. He could do this, he decided. “Why don’t you go sit down at the table.” It wasn’t a real table, but a wide countertop with three high chairs lined up. He pulled out a chair, and she stood next to it with her glass.
“I can’t climb up there myself.”
Marcus took her glass, and after placing it on the counter, gingerly lifted her up on the seat. He decided he needed a strong cup of coffee and left Lillie sitting to go make a pot.
Crash.
The sound of breaking glass and a gasp sent him running back to her. The glass of juice lay broken on the floor and tears streaked down her crumpled little face.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s okay.” He didn’t give a shit about the broken glass and spilled juice. He thought something happened to her and knew Tyler would kill him. “I’ll clean it up, and it’ll be fine.”
He picked up the biggest pieces of glass and threw them in the trash, then, having no idea if he even had a broom, took the roll of paper towels and began to wipe up the spill. Careful of the shards of broken glass, Marcus squatted and finished wiping up the floor.
“See? It’s all gone; like it never happened.”
“I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry. Are you going to send me and Uncle Ty home?” Her lip quivered.
“No. Everyone makes mistakes. And later, we can go on the computer and order you some plastic cups.”
“Princess ones?” She sniffled.
He didn’t give a shit what kind, as long as she stopped crying.
“What happened?”
From his position on the floor, Marcus glanced up to see a sleepy Tyler leaning against the open doorway.
“I broked a glass.” Holding on to the counter so she wouldn’t fall, Lillie slid off the stool and ran over to Tyler who gave her a hug.
“Broke,” corrected Tyler.
“I said I was sorry. And Marcus and me ordered stuff to eat for later.”
Marcus stood and washed his hands. “It was no big deal. I’m sure kids do it all the time. Do you want a drink? Orange juice, milk or water is all I have that is non-alcoholic.”
“I’m fine, thanks.” A funny smile quirked Tyler’s lips. “You don’t have to stay and babysit us. I’ll be fine. I know you need to get to the club, especially since you missed last night.” With slow steps, Tyler walked over to the sofa and settled himself down.
“How are you feeling?” Marcus joined him on the opposite end, while Lillie climbed up and sat next to Tyler.
“Better, actually. I needed the sleep, and I can breathe a bit easier.” Lillie wiggled closer to Tyler and laid her head against his arm.
“Good.” This was all very domestic and cute and made him antsy as hell. “Um, so I was thinking that since Micah and his husband have twins who are around her age, Lillie might want to go to the same preschool they go to.”
A look of confusion crossed Tyler’s face. “I can’t afford that.”
Bracing himself for the inevitable argument, Marcus began to speak. “Hear me out. I know you can’t, but I can. And you need to rest and heal so you can come back to work. So I’m willing to gift you the cost of her preschool tuition, which isn’t really that much and won’t be for long.”
