Laughter exploded around the room.
I stared at him, half mortified, half laughing, and he winked at me—mischievous, unapologetic, and utterly charming.
After dinner,when it was time to leave, we thanked Simon and Sandra and climbed into the car. As Caleb pulled out of the driveway, I turned to him. “Thank you.”
He frowned slightly. “For what?”
“For everything,” I said. “For everyone. For yesterday and today, and the past few months—and for the ones to come. There are no word?—”
He leaned in and kissed me before I could say more. It was gentle, unhurried, full of promise.
“Ewww, Mama!” Lucas groaned from the back seat. “Are you guys, like, dating now?”
Caleb and I looked at each other and nodded.
“That’s great,” Lucas said, then frowned. “But don’t do that in front of me. It’s disgusting.”
We both laughed.
“By the way,” Caleb said, glancing at me with that same teasing glint, “I still need to see you in your birthday suit.”
I smacked him lightly on the arm.
“What’s your birthday suit, Mama?” Lucas asked.
Caleb and I exchanged a look. There was no way I was explaining that to a six-year-old. Instead, I asked Lucas to tell me all about his night, and just like that, he filled the car with chatter until we reached Caleb’s apartment.
After putting Lucas to bed and making sure his night-light was on, I rushed into the shower. When I finished, I slipped quietly into Caleb’s room wearing only my robe. I’d barely stepped inside when he walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water trailing down his skin.
My heart slammed against my ribs. I let the robe slide off my shoulders and said softly, “My birthday suit.”
We locked eyes.
I bit my lip, nerves and anticipation tangling together.
In seconds, he crossed the room and pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply. We moved together instinctively, discovering and rediscovering each other until the world faded away and there was only us.
In the morning,I slipped out of Caleb’s room while he was still asleep. I packed Lucas’s bag first, then mine, preparing to return to our apartment.
“Do you have to leave?” Caleb asked later over breakfast.
I held his hand. “I’m not far. But yes—we need to go back. Lucas needs stability, and I’m strong enough now to take care of myself.”
He sighed, clearly wishing the moment could last longer.
When we arrived back at my apartment, Caleb carried the bags upstairs. As I moved around the kitchen, I noticed towels on the floor. Assuming Elle had dropped them, I picked them up and put them away.
I then froze.
There was a smiley face drawn inside the cupboard door.
“Lucas,” I called, keeping my voice light. “Come here for a second, honey.”
He walked in.
“Did you draw this with your markers?”
“No, Mama.”
