Lucas wriggled out of my grasp, his small hands pushing against my shoulders. “Mama, please,” he squeaked. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“I’m what?” I said, straightening and pretending to look offended.
I followed his line of sight.
A cute brunette girl with pigtails, wearing a pink dress, waved shyly in his direction. Lucas waved back, both of them immediately dissolving into giggles, hands flying up to cover their mouths.
Oh.That explained everything. My heart melted with pride, tenderness, and something like grief all tangled together—another reminder that he was growing, stretching into a world that didn’t need me in quite the same way anymore.
Sonya, the camp leader, waved and walked over. Her petite frame was swallowed by a T-shirt at least two sizes too big for her. “Hi, Nyah!” she said brightly. “Lucas is such an amazing boy. He was the best-behaved child at camp.” She glanced down at him with open admiration. “And the most charming with all the girls!”
Lucas, still holding my hand, blushed furiously. I smiled, squeezing his fingers, my chest swelling with pride. Of course he was. He always had been.
“Is this his father?” Sonya asked.
The question landed like a dropped plate.
I blinked, momentarily confused about whom she was referring to, until I realized Caleb had stepped up behind me without my noticing. Heat rushed straight to my face. “No!” The word burst out of my mouth far louder than I intended.
Sonya took a couple of steps back, clearly startled.
“I’m sorry,” I rushed on, flustered and mortified. “No, he’s not. He’s my ride here… I mean, he’s my boss… I mean—” I winced. “My boss’s son.” Why was this happening? Why did my mouth betray me at the worst possible moments? “So please,” I added quickly, desperate to redirect, “continue what you were saying about Lucas.”
Sonya recovered smoothly, smiling again. “Yes… Lucas. What an amazing little guy. I can’t wait to see him in a couple of weeks when he starts grade one. I’m doing my internship here at Gems.”
Gems Elementary School. The choice I’d agonized over for weeks.
“That’s great,” I said, genuinely pleased. “I’m sure Lucas can’t wait to see you either.” I ruffled his hair gently. “Isn’t that right?”
“It’s gonna be awesome,” he declared.
Sonya bent down and wrapped him in a tight hug. “It sure is.” She waved goodbye and headed toward the other parents.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and turned to Caleb. “Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to call you my ride. I was caught off guard.”
He smiled easily, like it didn’t bother him at all—though something flickered briefly behind his eyes. “Sothisis Lucas.”
“Yes,” I said, relieved that the awkwardness seemed to pass without comment. “Lucas, do you remember Mama’s boss at the hotel, Mr. Evans?”
Lucas nodded solemnly.
“Well,” I continued, “this is his son, Caleb.”
Lucas immediately stuck out his hand like a miniature adult and stood perfectly still while Caleb shook it.
I bit back a smile.
I asked Lucas to stay with Caleb while I grabbed his bags and spoke briefly to the other parents. When I returned, the two of them were already deep in conversation, Lucas gesturing animatedly while Caleb listened intently, fully engaged.
The sight did something strange to my chest. As we walked toward the car together, I caught myself smiling without realizing it.
“Lucky I didn’t bring the Porsche,” Caleb said as we reached the car. “We’d have to fold Lucas in two to fit him in the back seat.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I said quickly, the reality of the detour finally catching up with me. “I shouldn’t have assumed you’d give us a lift back. We can Uber it home. Thanks so much for the ride here.”
I hated imposing. I always had. Years of doing everything myself had wired that instinct deep.
“I don’t mind,” Caleb said, catching my hand before I could stepaway. “I don’t have anything to do, so it’s fine. I’ll drop you back.” His hand rested a fraction longer than necessary before he let go.
