“What’s the plan?” Tuck asked as he set the donut box on the island.
Chris ran a hand across his beard. “We need to get a funeral planned, then head back to Colorado. We’re actually thinking of a road trip back home versus flying with a bunch of stuff we’d most likely have to ship. We could make the trip in two days, but it’s probably best for the girls and the puppy if we do the drive in three.”
“So what’s that going to entail?” Piper asked. “Will you have to rent a moving truck or something?”
Chris nodded. “That’s on today’s to-do list. We’ll pick it up tomorrow so we can start loading and packing.” He sighed. “It’s a lot. I found a list on the internet to guide us because Erykah is...”A zombie?That sounded so callous, but she definitely wasn’t herself.
Not being present was to be suspected, or maybe it was more of a brain fog. Regardless, Chris wanted to ease her burden, hence the internet checklist.
“We want to help,” Piper said. “Tuck and I will pack or do whatever y’all need.”
“Thanks, guys.” Once again, Chris thanked the Lord for their friendship.
Footsteps sounded, and Chris turned, already anticipating Erykah’s arrival. What did it say that he knew the sound of her footfalls? Or that his senses were already anticipating that soothing scent she wore? The smell reminded him of vanilla and honey. Whatever the fragrance was, it made him want to nuzzle his nose right into the curve of her neck.
Get it together. She needs a friend, not someone cataloging how she smells, Gamble.
He blew out a breath just as she walked into the kitchen.
Erykah blinked, noticing Tuck and Piper, then her face softened. “Hi.” Her gaze cleared as if seeing Tuck for the first time, despite meeting him yesterday. “Mr. Hale, how’s the shoulder?”
“It’s all right. Some top-notch surgeon performed the surgery, so rehab could’ve been worse.” Tuck smirked.
Erykah laughed.Laughed.
Chris hated that slight fissure of jealousy that shot through him.
“I was so shocked when Tuck said you were the Erykah Chris has been talking about.” Piper walked up to her. “Can I give you a hug?”
“Please,” Erykah rasped. The two women embraced, and after a long moment, broke apart. “I was surprised as well when Chris first mentioned you two, but then thought how small the world really is.”
“So wait,” Chris interrupted. “You guys all know each other?”
Tuck nodded. “She’s the doctor I told you about at the gala in May. Remember?” Tuck arched a brow.
Why did Chris’s neck have to heat at the memory of the conversation? His friends had wanted to set him up with the surgeon who had operated on Tuck’s broken shoulder. But they’d remembered she’d only been in town for vacation, and they didn’t know where she lived. Chris had thought he’d dodged a messy setup and had been relieved. Now, well, he didn’t know how to feel.
How was Tuck’s doctor the person Chris now called friend?
“Small world, right?” Erykah smiled at him.
“Very. But that’s a good thing.”
She bit her lip. “Um, the girls are awake. Cheyenne is getting dressed on her own because she didn’t want my help.” Her shoulders sagged. “I came in here to find some milk for the baby.”
Uh-oh.
“Was Ellynn breastfeeding?” Piper asked.
“She was, but I’m worried about what happens when we run out.” Erykah turned an uncertain gaze his way.
“We’ll find the right formula. Promise.” Chris didn’t know how they’d do it. He’d never taken care of a kid before, but he wouldn’t leave Erykah alone to flounder.
“Erykah,” Piper said gently. “Do you have any boxes for packing? How can we help?”
Chris watched Erykah, waiting for any telltale sign of tears or anything else that meant he needed to step in and help her.
“Um, we do need something to pack their stuff in.” She tugged at a twist of hair as if thinking. “I’m bringing all of their bedding and clothes. Plus anything else they want and is reasonable to fit into the moving truck.”
