Rachel pulled in at the same time as him. Bundled in a heavy coat, scarf, and ear warmers, she approached him. “Need any help carrying that in?”
“I’ve got it, but thanks.” He stood outside his truck and put the boxes of sweet treats down. “I’ll help you.”
“I’m good. It’s not icy yet.”
He narrowed his gaze. “If you fall on my watch, I’ll have Aaron to answer to.”
Chuckling, she let him take her arm. “Nah, but extra support wouldn’t hurt. I have a knack of finding the one slippery patch.”
“Don’t we all.” He grinned and held onto her elbow. “Are you ready for Thanksgiving?”
“Almost. My whole family is supposed to fly in, and I can’t wait.”
“I bet.” He tightened his hold when they stepped up to the sidewalk.
“What are your plans?” The wind blew her scarf into her face, and she tucked the tail of it under her coat.
“Spending it with my mom as usual.” The purposeful omission that his mom had a boyfriend let him know he hadn’t come to terms with it yet.
Unfortunately, Rachel could read him well. Not only was she his boss, but also a friend. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Later.” They reached the door, and he hoped she’d forget about it by the time later rolled around. “I’ll drop the donuts off in the cafeteria. They’re for everyone.”
“Thanks. I’ll spread the word.” She scurried inside to the comfort of heat but glanced back at him with a curious expression.
He didn’t feed her an explanation. Instead, he returned to his vehicle, grabbed the boxes of donuts, and juggled the coffee cup. He dropped them off and glanced out the window with a view of the rear yard.
Several of the older children played outside. He watched them jump in the snowdrifts then attempt a snowman. They’d need a few more inches of accumulation before they could get a good snowman, but who was he to burst their bubble?
After grabbing a glazed donut, he joined them. Unnoticed, he stooped down and scooped a handful of snow, rolled it into a ball. He spotted his target, Ian, a good-natured preteen boy who would play along.
Ian caught sight of Carl as he swung his arm. “Snowball fight!”
Blissful chaos broke out. Balls of white whizzed past Carl. He managed to dodge most of them, but a few struck his shoulders, and one slammed against his chest. Laughter rang in the courtyard, and Carl stepped back for a minute to take it in.
The kids’ lives hadn’t been easy. Laughter didn’t come often enough for them, and it made his spirit soar to hear their carefree shouts and guffaws. He watched them play for another five minutes then rolled a final snowball before he got to work.
He picked his target, aimed, and let go.
“Ouch,” a feminine voice called out.
Carl groaned under his breath and rushed to Luna. “I’m so sorry. That was meant for Tim. I didn’t even know you were out here.”
“You’re lucky I’m too happy to care.” Her eyes sparkled, and he was relieved to see she wasn’t angry. “I spotted you through the window and couldn’t wait to tell you the good news.”
He guided her away from the noise and raucous, to where a stray snowball wouldn’t find them. “What’s up?”
She clapped her hands in pure excitement. “Dr. Scott called this morning. Hope is trying to stand up.”
“That’s incredible.”
“I’m so happy I could dance. Thank you for believing in her.” She threw her arms around him, hugged him tight. As soon as it happened, it was over, and she jerked away. Acting as if she hadn’t just given him the most incredible hug he’d ever experienced, she kept her hands to her side. “He said she’s still not out of the woods, but she can come home this afternoon. He thinks being in a quiet environment will help her.”
“I’m glad I went out last night and bought a few necessary supplies.”
“You did?” Her voice held an awe and admiration that broke through the cold and warmed him.
“A doggy bed and dishes. Maybe a few toys with the hope she’ll fully recover.” He’d bought them in faith and hadn’t saved his receipt.
