Owen looked at his watch. “I hate to bring our coffee break to an end, but I need to get back to my studio. Mom’s looking after everything, and you know how she is with my customers.”
Steve laughed. “Is she still making everyone a cup of coffee?”
“She’s moved to herbal tea that matches the color of the glass,” Owen said with a grin. “She found some ginger and honey tea the other day. Now, she wants me to create a collection made from yellow glass. What will I do with her?”
“Make a collection to match the tea?” Steve suggested half-seriously.
Owen sighed. “That’s what Harper said, too.” He stood and looked at the box. “I hope your dad likes the bowl.”
Steve hugged his friend. “So do I. Thanks for making it for him.”
“You’re welcome. When he arrives, try not to get sucked into his passive-aggressive routine.”
Steve stepped away from Owen. “It’s his birthday. We’ll be okay.” At least he hoped so.
Eden was sortingthrough the invoices for the church and The Welcome Center, when she noticed a small figure hesitating in her office doorway. Lifting her gaze, she met the wide, curious eyes of a little boy clutching a toy dinosaur.
“Hi there,” Eden greeted, smiling to make him feel at ease. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Oscar,” he said, stepping forward shyly. His gaze drifted to the small dog bed beside Eden’s desk where Rex was comfortably napping.
“Can I say hello to your dog?” Oscar asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course you can,” Eden replied, waving him in. “But Rex isn’t my dog, he’s a friend’s. He loves meeting new people.”
Oscar approached cautiously, letting Rex sniff his hand before gently stroking his back.
Rex wagged his tail, clearly enjoying the attention.
“What have you been doing today, Oscar?” Eden asked, amused by the serious expression on his face as he focused on petting Rex.
“I made a cake at baking class,” Oscar beamed, his shyness fading. “It has strawberries on top. Mommy helped me.”
“That sounds delicious,” Eden said, genuinely impressed. “You must be a great baker.”
Oscar nodded proudly. “Mommy says I’m a natural. I wanna make cookies next time.”
Just then, a flustered-looking woman appeared at the door. “Oscar, there you are!” She looked at Eden apologetically. “I’m so sorry if he’s bothering you. We were just heading out.”
“He’s been no trouble at all,” Eden assured her, recognizing Chloe from the baking classes. “I’m Eden. I’m helping Pastor John while Shelley’s on maternity leave.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Eden. I’m Chloe, and this is my son, Oscar.”
Eden smiled. “Oscar was just telling me about the cake he made.”
Chloe’s expression softened. “He loves baking. It’s been a good distraction for him since we’ve been here.”
Her voice had held a hint of strain and Eden wondered about the challenges they were facing.
“Mommy, can we come back and see Rex again?” Oscar asked, his eyes wide with hope.
“As long as it’s all right with Eden.” Chloe glanced at Eden.
“Rex isn’t here all the time,” Eden told Oscar. “But when he is, you’re more than welcome to come and say hello.”
Chloe smiled. “Thank you. You’re very kind. We have to go now, Oscar. Say goodbye to Eden and Rex.”
Oscar wrapped his arms around Rex and kissed the top of his head. “Bye, Rex.” And with a sunny smile, he waved at Eden. “Bye.”
