“Can’t you move to Kentucky?”
“Not today I can’t.” I had previously tried to explain about my work obligations, but how much did a five-year-old understand about contracts?
“Will I have my own room?”
I winced.Oh great.I hadn’t even given two thoughts to our living situation. I’d been so focused on packing and getting back home. Where would I put a kid’s bed? A crib?
“I’m not sure. We’ll figure it out together, Cheye. I promise. I’ll be here for you.”
She turned and threw her arms around my neck, tears soaking my shirt. And because it was just the two of us, I let mine run down my face as I comforted my niece and she comforted me.
Sometime later, Chris leaned against the doorframe. Cheyenne had long since fallen asleep, but I hadn’t wanted to leave the comfort of her presence.
“Do you need me?” I asked.
“Just wanted to let you know I fed Ashlynn.”
“Really?” I slid myself away from my oldest niece and walked to Chris. “You didn’t have to do that.”
He pointed toward the bed with his head. “You two needed a reprieve.”
“Thank you.” I slid my fingers through Chris’s and pulled him away from the room. We needed to talk. Or rather, I needed to profusely thank him for all he’d done.
When we made it to the living room, I faced him. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
“Don’t.” He shook his head. “Any friend would do the same.”
My nose wrinkled. “I don’t think so, Chris Gamble. You are one of a kind, and I’m so glad I met you. I’m so glad you decided to be my friend. That doesn’t happen easily.”
“That’s because people are intimidated by your brains and beauty.”
My cheeks heated under his sincerity. “How come you aren’t?”
“Who said I’m not?” he asked softly.
Goose bumps pricked my flesh, and I found myself leaning toward him.Girl, get it together.Somehow, I managed to step back and collect myself. I pulled my twists up into a bun on top of my head and slid the hair tie I kept on my wrist onto my hair.
Whew.It was warm in here.
“I have a question,” Chris started.
“Yes?”
“What are you going to do with the girls’ things? Are you going to get a bigger place?”
I winced. “Cheyenne asked me if she would have her own room, and it hit me that I don’t have space for them.” I bit my lip. “Is it bad that I want to solve that problem at another date? I know it’s foolish seeing as we’re driving out tomorrow, but I just...” I placed a hand on top of my head. “It’s all so much.”
Chris nodded thoughtfully. “I can see that, and I certainly don’t want to stress you.” He studied me. “I have an idea, if you want to hear it.”
I nodded.
“What if you moved in with me?”
My eyes widened.
“I mean, temporarily,” he rushed out. “You could either sleep upstairs on the second floor or in the basement. The second floor has a bedroom and a little sitting area. The bedroom is certainly big enough for all three of you. Or the basement has two bedrooms. Well, one is an office, but I can move all that stuff out to another area. Um, the main floor has one bedroom, but it’s a little smaller so I could stay in that space depending on what floor you choose. Just know I’d make sure not to be in your way. Then you’d have time to find a place for all three of you without the stress of feeling rushed.” He blew out a breath.
Was it sad that I loved how nervous he looked? Did that make me mean or just battling feelings that were more than friendly?
