“Mum.” She mimics my tone, and everyone laughs. Her voice softens. “It’s okay. We like seeing you happy.”
Caleb kisses my temple. “I’ll make the coffee. You take a seat. What do you want to eat?”
Bailey smirks. I know what she’s thinking. That never happened in our old life—it was always me preparing the food.
“Just the coffee to start with. Then I’ll see.”
“Good thinking.”
Bailey and Kiera exchange a glance and smile.
“Hey, baby.” I sit beside Jason and ruffle his hair.
“I got my own cereal this morning.” The Weet-bix sprays from his lips as he speaks.
“Say it, don’t spray it,” Kiera says.
Jason giggles.
“Good boy.” I kiss the top of his head.
“Here we go.” Caleb places a mug of coffee in front of me and takes a seat beside me. “What’s everyone up to today?”
“After yesterday? Probably very little,” I say.
“That sounds good.” He grins.
I sit back and observe as Caleb interacts with my children. He takes his time talking to each one and listening to their answers.
He’s making the effort, and I fall a little deeper watching him.
How can I resist?
“Did you want me to stay again tonight?” he asks after dinner.
Everyone else has scattered, and we’re alone in the kitchen.
“If you want to.”
He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me softly.
“If I had my way, I’d never leave.”
My cheeks flush.
I draw in a deep breath. “Are you sure about this? About us?”
“Never been so sure about anything in my life. Do you have doubts?”
I shrug. “It’s just … We’re both so different since we were together last time.”
Caleb tilts his head and studies me closely. “I know that. I’ve spent weeks in this house spending time with you.”
“And you’re still here.”
He smiles. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Let’s just take it day by day.”
