When I reach for her again, she shoves me toward the door. “Go. You keep this up, and your daughter’s likely to show up looking for you. We’ll never get dressed at this rate.”
“There could be worse things,” I grumble, feigning rejection.
She’s got a point, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
“If you think I’m meeting your daughter and grandkids for the first time naked, in your bed, Lancaster, you’ve got another thing coming.”
“God, you’re adorable when you’re feisty,” I admit, pecking her on the nose. “Though you got a point. That would certainly be traumatizing… For everyone involved. I’ll meet you downstairs for breakfast, sweetheart. Take your time.”
Six and a half minutes later, I’m dressed and downstairs, pulling two mugs from the cupboard and filling them with coffee. A pan is warming on the stove, but Faye has yet to make an appearance. There’s water running, so I know she’s still upstairs.
As I’m bent over, rummaging in the fridge and reaching for the eggs, I hear an amused, “How the hell did you do that?”
Turning, I quickly ask for clarification. “Do what?”
With my hands full of milk and eggs, I elbow the door shut behind me and step to the counter to place what I need by the stove.
“Beat me down here.” Shaking her head, she adds, “I swear, it wasn’t even ten minutes.”
“I’ve got places to be.” I shrug. “Besides, why would I waste time in the shower when I can spend more time with you?”
Ignoring her adorable eye roll, I point at her coffee. “You still take it with cream and sugar?”
Sighing heavily, she nods and sits at the counter in front of the cup and sugar dispenser I’ve set out for her. “How do you remember that? It’s been thirty years.”
Handing her the milk in my hands, I shrug. “Sweetheart, I’m sure there are plenty of things to still learn, trust me.” Just as she’s about to pour, I remember. “Oh, the girls like flavored creamer. I think there might be caramel or vanilla creamer in the door if you’re interested.”
“This is fine. Thanks.” She pours a dash of sugar and milk into the mug. Once she’s done, she cups it and brings it to her mouth for a taste. “Mmmmm… I’m gonna need this today.” When her eyes find mine, she asks, “Want any help?”
“Nope. I got this. Just relax.”
While she enjoys her coffee, I make quick work by plopping our toast into the toaster and making sure the skillet is ready. Just as I’m about to crack her eggs, I ask for reassurance, “You still like your eggs over easy?”
From the corner of my eye, I catch her jaw drop, and she stares wordlessly for a few beats before shaking her head and replying, “Yep, I sure do.”
Cracking the egg with one hand, I ask, “What are your plans today?”
Her eyes look to the ceiling, and she ticks items off her fingers. “I need to hop on a call at ten, then another at one, and I’m working on a few projects that will take most of the day.”
With her line of work, I know better than to pry for further details, so instead, I change the subject. “Any idea when you think you’ll be done?”
“Well…” She sighs heavily and glances at her watch. “Since I’m getting a late start, and I have back-to-back meetings this afternoon, I’m not sure.”
The toast pops up, and I reach to plate it. Before I put anything on hers, I ask, “Butter?”
“Yes, please.”
Once that’s done, I return to the stove and flip the eggs, then gather our silverware. In a matter of minutes, our breakfast is done, and I’m sitting beside her on a barstool.
“Was the place like this when you moved in?” she asks, glancing around my open-concept living room and kitchen.
“I hired a company to replace the windows and repaint the outside while I tinkered on projects like renovating the downstairs bathroom and upgrading this kitchen. Thankfully, the wood floors were in great shape throughout the house, and the former owners repainted most of the interior before selling—though there are a few rooms I’d like to change up, but I’ll get there.”
“It’s lookin’ good.” She nods, then takes another bite. When she’s finished chewing, she adds, “I always wondered what this place looked like inside. I think it was vacant for a while before you moved in… Or they just never used it because I haven’t seen anyone since I moved in next door.”
“Thankfully, it’s in good-enough shape,” I admit. “I don’t mind a project now and then. There are still a few things that’ll keep me busy for a while but nothing too pressing. The 90s kitchen has been upgraded, and for the most part, the house is livable. I just couldn’t stand the dark-wood cabinets or the hunter-green countertops and single black sink.”
Covering her mouth, she cackles. “No. I couldn’t do that either. This kitchen is a dream. It’s got plenty of space for a big family like yours. I love how bright and open it is. Not to mention it’s completely functional.”
