“Perfect! Bring dress clothes. The local Chamber of Commerce always hosts the Christmas Ball, and it’s on the twenty-third.”
His father gave another groan, but Eb’s mother asked, “Do you think I could get one of those dresses by that designer Linda on such short notice? I saw your boss wearing one of them for the Oscars this year.”
“We can’t afford one,” Eb’s father argued.
“I’ll have you know I’ve been saving up for a special dress for twenty years. Now’s the time.”
“Uh, Mom,” Eb interrupted. “From what she told me, she’s got an online shop now. Dad can help you with the measurements. Then you can pick it up when you get here and make sure it fits.”
“Wait,youknow her?”
“Yes. She’s a neighbor and she and her husband brought food over the morning after I got Rue.”
“My goodness. I had no idea you have such lofty connections. She’s married to Walt Kinkade.”
“Quit fanning yourself,” his father growled. “I’m right here.”
“Iknowthat.” He grunted like she’d elbowed him, which she likely had. “Walt Kinkade is myfantasyboyfriend. Iknowthe difference.”
“Well, once you make your flight plans, get me the details,” Eb said. “I need to check if Rue’s awake yet. I love you guys.”
“We love you too, sweetheart. Don’t be jumping anymore gunmen, though.” But his mother’s words rang with pride.
After checking to see if Rue was still asleep, Eb got dressed. His thoughts bounced between images of the shooting and the memory of kissing Sandra. Every time a dark thought tried to intrude, he would replace it with her. Thoughts of her calmed him.
And she must have felt the same. Of that, he was sure. For the first time since Paige had stolen Rue and abandoned Eb, he was alive with love. He would do everything in his power to make a future with Sandra, someone who would never use him as a rebound after a breakup or a role where she could pretend she had anormallife.
Sandra was the real thing.
“Daddy?”
“Coming.” He jumped from his desk, wincing when he moved his arm too quickly. It was already a little better than it had been yesterday.
Eb stepped out of his bedroom to find Rue standing in front of the open refrigerator.
“What would you like for breakfast this morning?” he asked, coming to stand behind her.
“Pancakes!”
Good thing Sandra had suggested he get some pancake mix. “Why don’t you grab an egg from the fridge? Can you get one without breaking it?”
“If you help me.”
Eb held the door for her while she gently removed it from its carton. “Let’s put it over here, so it doesn’t roll off.” He lifted her so she could place it on a saucer he pulled from the cupboard.
“We have to hurry so we can make breakfast for Sandra,” Rue said.
Eb wondered when she had to be at work. He knew she mostly did it remotely, since Walt didn’t have an official office.
It had been one reason why he’d wanted to buy the condo. Or so he’d said. Eb couldn’t help thinking the man was on his side as far as any relationship with Sandra. Which gave him more confidence to work through whatever had bothered her.
“I don’t think we have to hurry since Sandra’s been sick.” Eb handed Rue the bowl and scooped out a cup of pancake mix. “Just before you woke up, I talked to your grandparents.”
He studied her response as he helped her break the egg into the mix. They’d spoken on the phone a few times, but she was still shy with them. Paige had come from a dysfunctional home and had broken contact with her parents, so Rue’s experience with grandparents had only been recent and came from Walt and Linda.
“They’re going to come here for Christmas.” Eb ladled the grill with dollar-size pancakes, the kind Rue liked. “They can’t wait to meet you in person.”
“Are you sure?” The doubt in her voice broke his heart.
