She’s open with me and I like that I can be that for her. I’m guessing her father isn’t. But I don’t want to ask.
“Do you know what your mom is wearing to the dinner next week?” I need to make sure I match, and I want to get her flowers to complement her outfit.
“Nope. I don’t think she’s picked out anything. I want to get my stuff tomorrow so maybe we can shop for something for her.”
I like the way her mind works. Reaching into my back pocket, I pull out my wallet and grab one of my cards. “Here, use this for your shopping trip.” Her eyes light and her hand shoots out. “Don’t go wild, but you can get whatever you need for the sleepover and your mom something to wear. Make sure it’s something she loves, and not something she settles for.”
“Okay.” She waits for me to put my card in her hand. “You know, I think I like you and Mom dating.”
“Whys that?”
“Because you make her happy.” She stares at the card in her hand. “And you take care of her instead of the other way around. I try, but she has this whole thing about it because she’s the parent. It’s nice seeing her carry less stress.”
“I’ll keep doing it as long as she lets me.” I had a great example growing up. Dad still dotes on Mom and they’ve been together over forty years. I want that with Callie.
“Good. Are you going home?” She gestures toward the containers on the table while sliding the card into her pocket. “We have a ton of food. You can take some with you.”
“Nope. I’m going to crash on the couch.”
“Oh.” She grabs the containers and I rush to open the refrigerator door. “You don’t have to sleep on the couch, you know.”
“Whys that?”
She slides the containers onto various shelves before turning to me. “You are both grown-ups. It’s weird you aren’t sleeping in the same bed.”
“Okay.” I take a step back.
She points her finger at me. “But no funny business. These walls are thin.”
Now I’ve been properly warned by a teenager. I never thought that would happen in my entire life. I wait until she leaves the kitchen, turn off all the lights, and head to the living room.
Callie is fast asleep. I scoop her into my arms and carry her to her bedroom. She usually does a routine at night to get ready for bed, but I don’t think she will tonight.
Her eyes open a bit, and she glances around. “What are you doing?”
“Putting you in bed.”
She wiggles her legs for me to put her down. I pull back the blankets and wait until she’s comfortable to place the covers over her. I take off my pants and shirt before climbing into the other side of the bed.
“I thought we agreed not to sleep in the bed together.”
“Lexi gave me permission. But no shenanigans.” I move next to her until her back against my chest, and I wrap an arm around her waist to close any gaps.
A contented sigh escapes her lips. “Oh, okay.”
She snuggles into me and damn this feels like home.
Twenty-Six
Callie
Peter is gone when I wake up. I vaguely remember his lips on my cheek, but I thought I was dreaming.
Everything about last night was perfect. The food and company. I was bummed Peter was late.
Each insecurity I had when I was with Conrad crept its way into my gut. It took everything in me to push them away. Peter isn’t anything like Conrad. He’s kind, giving, and bends over backward for those he cares about. He’s always been that way.
“You’re finally up.” Lexi says as she walks into my room. “You should probably get ready.”
