“S
hh.” The sound was harshly quiet.
“I’m not the one being loud,” Emery stated in a whisper.
Peeking open an eye, I tried to figure out what exactly was going on. It was too early for Enzo to be awake, since he’d sleep in more often than not. Of course, maybe getting a good night’s sleep changed that.
Breathing in, a waft of coffee hit my nose.
“Whatever.” Enzo huffed, this time not as quiet. “Seems he’s awake now anyways.”
Rolling over and pushing myself to sit at the same time, I took stock of what seemed to be going on.
“I made you coffee.” Enzo picked up the mug, handing it to me. “Emery helped.”
Not sure what to say, I took it from him. The outside of the mug was warm, steam coming from the top.
Enzo seemed to be waiting with bated breath as I took a small sip.
“Perfect.” Maybe a tad too much creamer, but it was drinkable. My one word caused Enzo to smile with his eyes. “Come here, you two.” After setting my mug on the nightstand, I lifted both arms in invitation.
After a moment, Emery was the first to crawl to one side of me, then Enzo followed. At the same time, both of them let out a breath.
“Thank you for making me coffee.”
Enzo reached over and grabbed the drink, handing it to me again.
“I—we—wanted to do something special for you.”
“I appreciate that.” I took another swallow. “Although you don’t need to.”
“You’ve done a lot for us already,” Emery said softly, pressing into my side as much as he possibly could. “And since we can’t exactly cook all that well...coffee is the least we can do.”
“Someone knows how to make cookies.”
“Learned at the soup kitchen. The other food isn’t ever worth remembering how to cook. Unless there are no other options, of course.” Enzo said it as though he were talking about the weather. And maybe that’s how he wanted it to come across. But I knew better.
“You can start helping me cook the meals.”
Enzo’s eyes flashed to mine. His shock turned into happiness.
“I bet you’d be amazing in the kitchen.”
Enzo ducked his head, hiding his reddening cheeks.
I was determined to praise both of these boys every damn chance I had.
“So,” I cleared my throat. “What shall we do today?”
“I’m good to stay right here, all day long.” Emery yawned, not lifting his head from where he placed it on my shoulder.
“Well, we can’t just stay inside all day, every day.” It wouldn’t do these two any good to be kept away from people. “What about a walk?”
“Okay.” Emery sighed. “After breakfast.”
At that moment, his stomach made a loud rumbling noise. A light, husky laugh bubbled forth from me as I squeezed Emery tighter to my side, then kissed the top of his head.
The warm sun beat down on us as the three of us walked down the sidewalk. For a late Monday afternoon, there was hardly anyone out, which made the outing easier to handle.
