By the time they finished, Hendrix had the food on the table, the drinks poured, and he’d even made a salad.
Ryder had a blast talking nonstop while they ate. Hendrix seemed more amused than annoyed by the chatter, much to her relief.
It was full dark now, and she knew the temperature would have dropped. She should have taken the time to get a coat for her and Ryder both.
Hendrix sat back in his seat. “When they sold, the owners left everything behind. That included a small chest of toys.”
Ryder’s head snapped up. “Toys?”
Playing it cool, Hendrix nodded. “Mostly well-used stuff. Nothing as cool as your Wonder Woman.”
Joey stared at him. Who was this man? Where had her brusque camp owner gone? Since Ryder looked too hopeful to say anything else, she asked, “You still have them?”
Hendrix ran a hand over the back of his head. “The box had been stored away, but I got it out and dusted off a few things. I thought Ryder might like to look through it while we talked?”
Rapidly nodding his head, Ryder said, “I will. Sure. Okay.”
An endearing grin made Hendrix even more handsome. “It’s right here in the living room. I’ll show you.”
With her curiosity almost as keen as Ryder’s, Joey said, “Wait! Hands first.” She hastily retrieved a paper towel, wet it, and cleaned up her son’s face and greasy fingers. He fairly churned beside her, anxious to see what prizes awaited.
It was so close to Christmas. If only Hendrix had told her first, she might have been able to use a few of the toys as gifts for under the tree. Not that she had any right to his things, even things left by the previous owner. But still...
“All done,” Hendrix announced, taking the paper towel from her and tossing it onto Ryder’s plate. “This way.”
Watching her son bound after him, Joey wasn’t sure who was more excited – Hendrix or Ryder.
Lifting a small wooden chest away from the wall and putting it in the middle of the floor, Hendrix told him to open it.
Ryder dropped to his knees and lifted the lid with barely subdued reverence. One by one, he lifted out the treasures. A boat made from Legos, a large rubber spider, a kaleidoscope, two colorful plastic dinosaurs, a couple of well-used books, a plastic truck, and puppets.
“Wow.”
Hendrix knelt beside him. “Since you gave me a nice card, I’d like to give you your choice of one of these. Would that be fair?”
“For real?”
“Sure. You can take home whatever you pick, and play with the other stuff when you visit.”
So now they’d be visiting? That pleased her as much as the toys pleased Ryder.
It clearly surprised Hendrix when Ryder launched at him for a huge hug. Unlike her, Hendrix wasn’t knocked over. It took him a second, then he folded his long arms around Ryder and stood, turning his back on her.
Joey thought he might have wanted to hide his emotions from her. Like a man starved for human contact, he held Ryder close and patted his back. Seeing the two of them like this, each appearing grateful, caused emotions to swell. She had to swallow twice before she could offer a motherly reminder. “Tell Mr. Becker thank you.”
“Thank you!” Ryder sang.
Hendrix gave him a final squeeze and set him down, but his hand lingered on Ryder’s head. “Take your time deciding what to keep. In fact, you can take something now, then trade it for something else on another day. How’s that sound?”
“Good.” Ryder rubbed his nose and nodded. “That sounds good, Mr. Becker. You’re the best.”
Joey slipped away to take care of their dishes, but she’d barely gotten into the kitchen when Hendrix joined her. Keeping her back to him, she said quietly, “Thank you. You left Ryder a little overwhelmed.” It was true for her as well.
Leaning on the counter, he replied, “They’re only cheap, used toys. What else would I do with them?”
“Does this mean...” The words trailed off. She wasn’t used to anyone doing so much for her or her son. She was afraid if she tried to say anything at all, her voice would crack.
“It means you’re welcome to stay for December, and I’m sorry I was a dick about it at first.”
