Christy smiled, wiped at her own tears. “You’re going to make my mascara streak.”
“You look fine.”
“You’d say that regardless. I’m going in search of a mirror to be sure.” Christy walked away leaving Luna alone on the couch.
Seconds later, Carl made his way to her and pointed to the empty spot. “Anyone sitting here?”
“Not anymore.”
“May I?” He hadn’t shaved that morning and had a five o’clock shadow.
She could kick herself for noticing. “Go ahead.”
“I already situated Hope in my office. She’s sound asleep.”
“Has she tried to stand yet?”
His lips quirked to a frown. “No.”
She didn’t realize she’d balled her hands into anxious fists. “She will. I know she will.”
“Keep that optimism rolling.”
Mercy’s cry caught her attention. She glanced over to see her daughter mad that another kid had taken a block from her. Before Luna could move, a third child gave Mercy a different block and all was well.
“How’d dinner at your mom’s go today?” she asked once assured Mercy’s wails wouldn’t start again.
“Better than I imagined.” His smile resurfaced, and his eyes came alive. “Jeff is a great guy, and I’m happy for my mom.”
“I’m glad. I prayed the meeting would go well.” Should she have said that, admitted he’d been on her mind? She hated the insecurities that took over her life.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He leaned back and his long legs stretched several feet in front of the couch. “How’d your day go?”
She sat with her hands in her lap, fixing her gaze on them. “Non-eventful, which is how I like it. I worked until eleven, then the girls and I played outside for an hour. After lunch we came in to give Mercy a nap. She slept until it was time to get ready, and here we are.”
“Those outfits are cute. Someone needs to get a picture of all the kids together.”
“I overheard Gina say she would.” She caught a glimpse of the girls, still happily playing. “Mind if I check on Hope before dinner starts?”
“Not at all.” He rose to a standing position. “I’ll walk with you.”
“Let me tell Christy really quick so she can keep an eye on the girls.” She stood and crossed the room, let her friend know she’d be back in a few minutes.
Christy arched a teasing brow but agreed. “Remember what I said.”
Luna walked away rolling her eyes.
“Everything okay?” Carl peered at her with narrowed eyes.
“Yes.” She made up a white lie on the spot. “You know Christy and her off the wall sense of humor. Ninety percent of the time her jokes make me groan instead of laugh.”
He chuckled. “Don’t I know. She’s the only woman I know who’s infamous for telling dad jokes.”
Relieved he’d bought her story, she walked forward. “There’s a group coming next week to teach crocheting. I thought it might be fun to learn and make Hope a sweater.”
“Go for it. My grandmother used to, but that was before I was born.”
“I’ve never tried it, but why not? It will be something to keep me occupied after the girls go to sleep.”
