Hence the hiding in the truck.
Lamont
Wherever it’s quiet, right? We’ll leave you to your peace. Know I’m praying.
Tuck
Same. You’re a good man and doing a good thing. Let your light shine, but make sure you have enough fuel to do so.
Chris
Appreciate you guys.
Lamont
Same. You two have been a huge influence in my life.
Tuck
Agreed. Y’all make me more mature.
Chris
I take full credit as the oldest in the group.
Lamont
Have at it, grandpa.
Tuck
??
Chris slid the phone back into the inner pocket of his puffer jacket. Now he didn’t feel so bad for sitting here in the silence. He’d take another few minutes and just be still like Tuck advised. Let his heart empty out his worries to the Lord and go inside better equipped to lend a helping hand.
Ten minutes later, he exited the truck and trudged up the snowy sidewalk.Don’t forget to shovel after dinner.
He stomped on the outdoor mat while unlocking the door, then walked in. A heavenly aroma greeted him. The smells of a pot roast and bread welcomed him. Had Erykah really cooked while watching after her two nieces? That was so not what he’d expected. He’d fully intended to cook for them all when he arrived. He’d have to mention that he could pull his weight in household chores when he saw her.
But the toys littered around the living floor momentarily distracted him. As did Cheyenne lying in the middle of the floor with a doll in her hand, held up high before her.
“Hey, Cheyenne.”
She tilted her chin up to look at him. “Hi, Chris.”
He’d gotten her to drop the mister on the road trip out here. “Where’s Charlie?”
She sat up and peered around the room, a frown marring her smooth forehead. “He was just here.”
Great. Was Chris about to find something shredded, or had the pup done his business somewhere?
“Charlie?” He whistled low, something he’d started doing when he’d first begun watching the pup.
Atinkle that sounded like a dog collar met his ears. Chris watched for the dog and realized he was coming up the stairs. He trotted over, tongue lolling out.
“Hey, boy. Need to go out?”
Charlie barked.
