Page 32 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“No, why do you ask?”

“I’ve only ever had pancakes on my birthday,” Micah answered in a wistful tone.

“Are you in favor of syrup or whipped cream?”

“You can do that?”

“Shall I tell you a secret?” Michael leaned toward a nodding Micah. “Your mom used to like whipped cream and sprinkles on a big stack.” He held his hand several inches above his plate.

“It wasn’t that many or often.” She couldn’t help being amused at his playful side emerging.

Banner stifled a laugh, setting a bowl of oatmeal and an array of toppings in front of Michael.

“And that wasn’t the only thing you liked whipped cream on.” She felt the heat rise in her cheeks at Michael’s wink.

Banner coughed, exiting the room.

“You mean like ice cream?” Micah’s new fascination with food was a welcome distraction.

“Sure. What’s your favorite flavor, little man?” Michael asked, piling layers of sweets and fruits into what he used to call ‘goop’.

“Chocolate, I guess.” Micah scrunched his face in an effort to remember.

“Always a solid choice. A lot of variations there, though I like mine thick and creamy.” Michael smirked, his foot touching hers under the table.

“Just as long as it’s not vanilla?” She teased, remembering his unconventional tastes.

“Nothing wrong with an intensely satisfying vanilla, as long as you mix it up with the ah.... trimmings that capture the imagination and bring the experience to a fierce, all-consuming crescendo.” His stare burned with an intensity she hadn’t seen in eight years. She felt warm for an entirely different reason.

“I want one of those! Is it like a waffle cone? My friend said they were so good.” Evelyn chortled at Micah’s innocent assumption.

“Maybe we can do something about that. With your mom’s permission, of course, I was thinking of spending the day with you?” They both looked at her for approval, fluttering their long lashes over their fawn-brown eyes, reminding her why this was a bad idea.

“Really? That’s awesome!” Micah’s chair scraped the floor as he pushed it back and gave his face a quick wipe with his napkin before standing, ready to leave.

“Don’t you have to work?” She questioned the busy man’s sudden availability.

“I had Meghan clear my calendar.” Michael implied that it was a simple thing but she vaguely remembered reading about a senate debate scheduled for the morning.

“We have a full day planned. Are you sure you’re up for it?” She squinted, not ready to trust him yet.

“I’m looking forward to it.” He responded with an easy confidence that could be a facade. She didn’t know this version of him well enough to be sure.

“The agenda includes the library, playgroup, and my mother’s place. Are you ready to take that on?” Her mother had never made her feelings a secret. Whenever she saw Michael, she made it a point to tell him how he needed to strive to be a better man than his father.

“As ready as I’ll ever be. I suppose it’s way overdue.”

“You have overdue books? Good thing we’re going to the library. I like adventures. What kind of books do you like? Do you ever play the random book game?” Micah slipped his hand into Michael’s as he rattled off questions.

“I think I remember playing that game with your mom. But maybe you can show me how it goes, in case I forgot.” Michael squeezed her son’s hand and she felt it in her heart. The damn thing was trying to convince her to let her guard down.

“Micah, why don’t you visit Cora? Help her make some sandwiches and snacks for today. Also, tell her that Michael is coming, so she can include his favorite.”

“Yes, Mama. Wait until you meet my friends. Tim has an awesome soccer ball. Do you know how to play? You’re going to love my grandma...” Still pummeling Michael with information, Micah started toward the door.

“Sweetie, mind leaving Michael here? We need to discuss some guidelines for today’s plan.” She stood and moved toward Micah, ready to stop him if necessary.

“Ok. But don’t leave without me.” Micah called over his shoulder, reluctantly releasing Michael’s grasp, and dragging his feet out of the room.