“And Lily’s mother?” Xavier asked. “You must think a lot of her if you agreed to watch her daughter like this.”
Caleb nodded. “I do. She’s everything I never knew I needed or wanted at this point in my life. So far it’s pretty casual, but I like being around her. I miss her when she’s not with me. Like now,” he said, running a hand over his face. “I can’t wait to see her tonight.”
“Sounds pretty serious to me,” Xavier said, locking eyes with Caleb.
“I’m not looking for serious. We’re just having fun hanging out,” Caleb said, holding up his hands. He wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince, himself or Xavier. Even as he said the words out loud, his heart was telling him something different. “Just meeting someone like Sophia is enough for me. A great Moose Falls surprise.”
“Yep,” Xavier said, grinning so wide it seemed as if his face might crack wide open. “That’s what I thought when I met True.” Xavier and Landon exchanged a pointed look.
Caleb scoffed. “Not everything has to result in falling in love and an engagement.” Even as he said the words, he experienced a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“So, are you kicking us out?” Landon asked. “I thoughtyou would at least feed us.” He rubbed his stomach and looked around the kitchen.
“Good point,” Xavier said. “You’re the best cook out of the three of us. What are you making?”
“You’re welcome to stay, guys. I’ll start on dinner right now,” Caleb suggested. He loved that they both wanted to stay for supper. Now he wouldn’t have to feel so guilty about dragging them away from home.
“And we’ll hang out with Lily,” Landon said. “I don’t know about the two of you, but I loveBluey. I’m hooked.”
“As long as we don’t have to do another round of makeup, I’m good,” Xavier added. Caleb didn’t think this was the time to tell him that he still had traces of glitter on his face.
“I’m baaaack from the potty,” Lily said, spreading her arms wide as if she was expecting a standing ovation.
“Good girl,” Caleb said, leaning down and patting Lily on the shoulder. He couldn’t believe how well Lily was behaving around him and his brothers. Although she and Caleb had been building a friendship, she hadn’t known Xavier or Landon at all. And now they were all getting along like a house on fire. Sophia had done a marvelous job in raising this sweet and spunky child. Being with Lily had been a blast, although challenging. He admired Sophia more than ever for parenting so successfully as a single mother. Next time he would have to eat his Wheaties to keep up with her.
Whoa! He was starting to think about next times. Maybe he was getting a little ahead of himself. Becoming a part of Sophia and Lily’s world was serious business. For all he knew, this was a one-off.
Caleb made dinner for all of them while Landon, Xavier, and Lily chilled out in the playroom watching television. Beef stir-fry with rice and veggies, a big Caesar salad, and cornbread. The meal was a hit, especially with Lily, who saidit was like going out to eat. Bless her little heart. She was a bona fide sweetheart. After they ate, Xavier and Landon said their good nights, with Caleb thanking them profusely for hanging out with him and Lily.
It didn’t take Lily long to drift off to sleep after Caleb read her two books—TheLittle MermaidandBrown Sugar Baby. As he tucked the blanket over her and made sure her night-light was glowing, he stepped back into the hallway, leaving the door open a crack.
Caleb grabbed a Coke and settled in the den with the television on. A little after eight he heard the jingling of keys as Sophia let herself in the house.
“I’m in the den,” he called out, standing up and greeting her in the entryway.
She let out a beleaguered sigh. “Home sweet home.”
“It’s good to see you,” Caleb said, encircling her waist with his arms and pulling her into a kiss. Caleb was so excited to have her back in Moose Falls, back in his arms. He wasn’t used to missing anyone or having a little ache in his soul.
“Why don’t you sit down and put your feet up?” Caleb suggested, gently leading her toward the oatmeal-colored couch. “I’ll make you a cup of tea so you can tell me all about your amazing day.”
“Sounds like heaven,” Sophia said, sinking into the couch and putting her feet up on the coffee table.
A few minutes later Caleb was back with a mug of chamomile tea. Sophia was sitting back with her eyes closed, and for a moment he wasn’t sure if she had dozed off. Sensing his presence, she opened her eyes and reached out for the mug. Caleb made himself comfortable next to her, watching her as she took a big sip of her tea. She let out a blissful sound and placed the mug down on a coaster.
“So, don’t keep me in suspense. How was it?” he asked, impatient to hear details from Sophia’s day.
“It was pretty epic,” she confirmed. “Malina was amazing. Down to earth. Funny. Magnetic. The pictures turned out so well I can hardly believe it.” She ran a hand through her dark, wavy hair. “She was so kind to me and said some really complimentary things. When I showed her some of the images, she was truly moved by them. Tears and all.”
“Of course,” Caleb said. “She was probably blown away by your skills.”
Sophia chuckled and swatted at him. “I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not, but I’ll take the compliment.”
“That’s how it was intended, Sophia.” He grazed the side of her face with his knuckles. “Face it. Your talent speaks for itself. That’s why Malina wanted you for this assignment.”
“Pretty soon you’re going to give me a swollen head,” Sophia said, chuckling. She motioned with her hands. “Keep the compliments coming.”
Her lids were closing, and her words sounded a bit jumbled. She was exhausted from her whirlwind trip.
