She was going to keep Erykah on her toes for sure.
Chris heated up her donut and watched expectantly. “Well?”
“You’re right. It’s the best. Please heat up another one.” She waved a hand.
It was all he could do not to laugh, but he did as directed.
Cheyenne looked up at her aunt, then glanced at Chris before speaking. “What are we doing today?”
“We’re going to pack some.” Erykah kept her gaze on her plate.
“And then?”
“We’ll take each moment one at a time,” Chris answered. Probably wasn’t his place to speak, but they both looked like they needed saving.
“Are you sure you can’t fix them?” Cheyenne’s voice quivered.
“I would if I could. You know I would,” Erykah said.
Cheyenne bobbed her head, then stuffed the rest of the donut in her mouth. Was it bad if comfort eating started at five?
A cry filled the house.
“Oh no.” Erykah slapped her forehead. “Bottle.”
She went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle, then left the room. Chris watched Cheyenne as she polished off the second donut.
“Hey, Cheyenne, do you want to meet my friend?” Charlie was probably itching to get out of the kennel.
“I already know her. She’smyaunt.”
“No, I have another friend.” He grinned. “Come on.”
She hopped off the bar stool and followed him. “Who’s that?” she gasped.
“This is Charlie.” He unlocked the kennel. “I believe you named him.”
“The puppy? Auntie Erykah brought him?”
He nodded and held on to the pup as his tail wagged enthusiastically.
“Aww.” Cheyenne petted him and grinned. “Can I hold him?”
“Just be gentle.” That’s what he always told kids her age. They had a tendency not to realize how strong they were.
Speaking of, he needed to call Cameron and let her know what was going on. Probably needed to speak to someone at PathLight as well. They needed to know he wouldn’t be back until next week. Could he take two weeks off too?
Cheyenne sat on the floor, then Chris placed Charlie into her lap. She giggled as the puppy licked her chin. As he watched them, Chris couldn’t help but think of God’s provision. The Lord knew what Erykah would be facing and had sent Charlie to her just in time to help comfort her and her niece.
God was good even when living in the world felt very bad.
Thirteen
Some sights would always be unnatural.
Two coffins being lowered into the ground topped that list when I considered my baby sister and her husband lay at rest within. I held Ashlynn to me while Cheyenne sobbed into Chris’s arms.
But we weren’t alone.
