She whirled around.
Spencer was in the doorway, hesitantly stepping into the bedroom as if unsure if it was okay to be there. “Hey.”
Her emotions must have been carved across her face because he rushed the rest of the way to her, like she needed rescuing from the sadness she’d been drowning in. “Oh, honey.” He pulled her into his arms, bundling her against his big body.
It was the first time he’d called her that, and she wanted to weep. Not because it was too soon or the moment too overwhelming, but because it came from a place of desperate honesty. A part of Spencer’s heart that he’d opened up to her. A place of protection and comfort. A term of endearment that wrapped around her as warm as his physical embrace.
“I’m sorry.” She trembled against him, and then shook her head, spine straightening. “I didn’t mean to be away so long.”
“Little guy actually fell asleep by page seven.”
She pulled back to look up at Spencer, shocked. “He did?”
He nodded, his hand at the base of her head as he affectionately ran his fingers through her hair. “I think he’s out for good based on his heavy breathing.”
She had to laugh softly at that. “That kid is a snorer, just like—” She stopped herself.
“His dad?” Spencer filled in, eyebrow quirked.
She just nodded before stepping out of his arms. “Spencer, I’m so sorry this whole evening has become about Calvin.” She took the shirt in her hands and folded it again to place back onto the shelf with the others.
“Trinity, I’m not bothered by that. This is Calvin’shome. Those are his children.”
I’m his wife,Trinity silently finished for Spencer.
“I expected him to be all around us,” Spencer added as his understanding gaze met hers.
“And that really doesn’t bother you?” With her hand on the light, she flipped it off and led the way out of the darkened closet. She had to get out of there.
“Honestly?” He reached for her hand. “No, it doesn’t. I’m not trying to replace him, Trinity. I hope I’ve made that crystal clear. I just want to meet you—and your kiddos—where you’re at. And I understand that sometimes that might be in a place of grief.”
She held on to him tighter.
Oh, how this man could love her so well if she would only let him.
CHAPTER 19
Spencer had met Trinity’s parents before but never imagined he’d be standing on their doorstep on a late autumn morning just after sunrise. He’d woken up early to feed the livestock, unbox a few more packages for his new home, and swing by Bitter Cold Coffee Bar for a hot cup of coffee. When he texted Joe to inquire about the missing teddy bear, he had all the nerves associated with asking for a marriage blessing. He wasn’t sure what he expected the man to say but as he waited for the reply text to appear, his heart raced like a galloping horse.
Yep. Got him right here.
While Spencer knew Joe could drop the stuffed animal off at his daughter’s the next time he watched the kids, he didn’t want Liam to have to wait a moment more for his beloved Bubba Bear. Plus, Spencerdidwant to talk to Joe about something.
The man answered the door on the first knock, a big smile on his face and a ratty, well-worn bear in his hands.
“Spencer.” He jutted out his free hand for a shake. “Good to see you.”
“You too, sir.” He tipped the brim of his Stetson.
“Come in. Jennie’s just pulling some banana nut muffins from the oven, and I think one has your name on it.”
He hadn’t planned to stay, but the warm aroma and the equal amount of warmth in Joe’s invitation moved his feet forward until he found himself seated at the breakfast nook with both of Trinity’s parents, a basket of still steaming muffins arranged in the center of the round table.
“Heard you helped out with the kiddos last night,” Joe said. He’d propped up Bubba Bear in the free chair.
Spencer knew Trinity had a close relationship with her parents, but it hadn’t occurred to him that she might have already relayed the night’s events. There wasn’t much to report back on other than the missing stuffed animal, the vulnerable moment in the closet where he’d found her lost in her memories, and some cuddling on the couch while they watched her favorite rom-com classic, You’ve Got Mail, a movie he was almost embarrassed to admit he’d never seen but absolutely enjoyed.
“Not sure I was much help. Liam was out like a light before we even got to the good part in the book. He probably could have put himself to bed, truthfully.”
