“That is true.” When I yawned and stretched, he straightened.
“Do you know where Lacey and Mom are?”
“They ran an errand, so I’m hanging out until they get back.”
“I’m not sure I believe you.”
“What reason do I have to lie?”
“Good point.” His face cleared. “Do you know how to cook breakfast?”
“I do.”
“Pancakes?”
“As long as you have the ingredients.”
“We always have the ingredients. We just don’t make them enough.”
“Pancakes it is. Go to the kitchen and get the stuff out. I’ll be right there.”
He took off without another word. I checked my phone, then crossed to the front door and eased it open. “Grant?”
He appeared before me instantly. “Have you heard anything?”
“Lacey sent a text about an hour ago. Everything’s okay and she’ll bring Crystal home soon.” I gestured for him to come inside. “We’re going to have pancakes.”
“We are?”
“Yes, at Henry’s command. Follow me.”
We reached the kitchen in time to see Lacey’s brother backing out of the pantry, arms full of flour, oil, and maple syrup.
I waited until he’d unloaded his burden on the counter before speaking. “We have a visitor.”
The little guy spun around and then whooped with joy. “Grant, where have you been?”
“In Canada before I came to Magnolia Grove.”
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Henry pointed at the chair next to him. “You can sit with me.”
Grant and I laughed. This plan was working perfectly. While I mixed the batter, Grant kept Henry distracted.
We had just finished washing the dishes when there was noise at the front door. I glanced into the foyer in time to see Lacey and Eli standing there with her mother between them.
“Sara, thank you.” Crystal smiled sweetly, sleepily.
“Mom.” Henry shouted and raced to his mom, then stared at her, arms crossed. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Fine. You smell like maple syrup.”
“Sara made breakfast. Grant and I ate it.”
“Grant’s here?”
He stepped into the hallway. “It’s good to see you again, Crystal.”
“What a lovely surprise.” She shuffled down the hall. “Thanks for coming.”
