“Yes, Mama,” Lily said, vigorously nodding her head.
Sophia held out a hand and helped her father to a standing position. He winced as he stood up, then placed a hand on his lower back.
“Dad, next time she asks, just say no,” Sophia instructed. At this rate her poor father was going to have spinal issues. “She’s going to love you whether or not you play horsey.”
“Okay, okay,” he said, sounding annoyed. “This is the last time.”
Sophia knew full well it wasn’t going to be the last time. Lily had G-pop wrapped tightly around her finger. He would go to the moon and back for his special girl. Lily needed this type of devotion in the absence of a present and attentive father. Despite his newfound interest in his daughter, Donny hadn’t shown a bit of devotion over the past four years.
When she walked into the kitchen, Patience was pulling open the stove and peering inside. “Almost ready,” she crooned. She closed the oven door and turned toward Sophia. “Hey, lady. How was the first day at Yukon Cider?”
Sophia greeted her with a warm hug. “It was really good.And coming home to ribs makes this an outstanding day. You had me thinking dad was cooking. It smells fabulous.”
“Glad to hear your day went well,” Patience said with a warm smile. “I wanted to treat you to a good meal since I know it must have been tough working with Caleb all day.” Patience playfully stuck out her tongue.
Sophia dramatically wiped her brow with her arm. “It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it,” she said, letting out a wild laugh. Patience wiggled her brows and laughed along with her. Her sister had such an expressive face. On many occasions she’d thought Patience would have been a great actress.
“Who’s Caleb?” Lily asked, her little brow furrowed.
Patience looked as if she was going to bust a gut laughing while Sophia struggled with being an adult and answering in a grown-up manner.
“He’s someone Mommy works with,” Sophia explained. “Miss Hattie’s grandson.”
“Tell her the truth,” Patience whispered. “He’s somebody that Mommy has the hots for.”
“Mommy says it’s rude to whisper,” Lily said, sticking out her lip.
“I’m so sorry, bitsy,” Patience said, bending down and tickling her. Lily burst into giggles, instantly forgetting her aunt’s infraction.
“How soon is dinner?” Sophia asked. “I can set the table,” she offered.
“It’s about fifteen minutes to sheer perfection,” Patience said. “I’m hovering by the oven so it doesn’t overcook.”
“Let me go upstairs and change out of my work clothes,” Sophia said. She let out a groan. “I need to get comfy.” Five minutes later she was back downstairs. Lily had her nose in a picture book while her father and Patience were sitting at the table drinking wine.
“Oh, a glass of wine would be wonderful right about now,” Sophia said, sinking down into a chair. Just then the doorbell rang, causing all of them to stop what they were doing.
“Are you expecting anyone?” her dad asked, placing his wineglass down on the kitchen table.
“Not that I know of,” she said, standing up to answer the door. “Let me go find out.”
“Do you want me to answer it?” her dad asked, poised to get up from his chair.
“Just enjoy your wine, Daddio. I don’t think it’s a serial killer or anything,” Sophia said, sharing a glance with Patience. They both knew their father was overprotective of them. He made a habit of supplying them with mace and signing them up for self-defense lessons.
Moose Falls had a very low crime rate, and she was more worried about an annoying neighbor than a criminal.
Without bothering to look out the window first, Sophia yanked the door open.
“Caleb!” she said, her voice coming out a little louder than she’d intended. He was standing at her doorstep wearing light washed jeans and a black peacoat and looking way more fine than any man had a right to look.
“Sophia,” he said, saying her name like it was a caress. He smiled, showcasing his captivating dimples.
“What are you doing here? And how did you know where I live?” she asked, practically sputtering. She smoothed back her hair, suddenly wishing she hadn’t scrubbed her face clean of every inch of foundation, mascara, and eyeliner.
“You left something at work,” Caleb said, holding up her crimson-colored purse.
Her jaw dropped. She had left Yukon Cider so fast, only managing to grab her keys, her coat, and her saddlebag. “Oh my goodness. Thank you, Caleb. I can’t believe I did that.”She let out an uneasy chuckle. “I was on autopilot when I left work, and I guess leaving my purse was the end result.”
