Page 109 of Smitty

“Thanks. We’re still trying to get settled in.” Brooke stepped forward. “It’s good to see you… I didn’t know you were coming by.”

“I didn’t either.” Ryan lifted the plastic tote. “Found these in the back closet. It’s some old jackets and Anslee’s play kitchen.”

“I wondered where those went.”

“I figured you’d want them.”

“I do. Thanks for bringing them by.”

“No problem.”

I stepped forward and took the boxes from his hands, then turned and slipped them inside. When I turned back, I asked, “You wanna come in for a bit?”

“You don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” I stepped back and motioned him inside. “I’m sure Anslee would be tickled to see ya.”

“Thanks.” He gave me a grateful nod. “I’d really like to see her, too.”

He stepped through the door and over several of the broken-down boxes. Brooke closed the door and rushed over to push them out of the way. “It’s a work in progress.”

“I get it.” He gave her a smirk. “I know how much stuff you had.”

“Hey, it’s not all mine.”

“It’s mostly yours,” I teased.

“Yeah,” Brooke fussed. “Don’t you two go ganging up on me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Ryan chuckled.

Ryan spotted a pair of Anslee’s shoes on the floor, and his breath hitched. Seconds later, she came around the kitchen cabinets and shrieked, “Ry-an!”

She ran straight to him and held up her wooden spoon, showing it off proudly. Playing along, Ryan scooped her up and said, “Wow. Look at what you got!”

Brooke looked at them and smiled, then glanced over at me, making sure I was good with it. And I was. Ryan had given me no reason to feel otherwise. Besides, Anslee loved the guy, and there was no way I was going to be the one who stood in the way of her getting to spend some time with him.

“I’ve missed you, Lee Bug.” Anslee rewarded his confession with a smack with the wooden spoon. “Missed your rough housing, too. You’re fierce with your kitchen aids.”

“She learned that from you,” Brooke poked.

“You still have too much stuff.” Ryan gave her a look. “But I never minded it… actually kind of miss it.”

“We’ve missed you, too.” Brooke gave him a warm smile. “You should come have dinner with us soon… Once we finish all the unpacking.”

“I’d like that.” He looked back down at Anslee as he said, “I guess I better let you guys get back to it.”

“I’m really glad you stopped by.”

“Me, too.” He lowered Anslee to the floor and kissed her on top of her head. “Be good for your momma, okay?”

Not realizing it might be a while before she saw him again, she toddled back to the kitchen and started playing with the spoons Brooke laid out for her. Ryan stood there for a moment, looking like he wasn’t sure about his next move.

So, Brooke made it for him. She walked over and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. “Thank you… for everything.”

He gave her a quick hug back, then turned and started for the door. I followed him and opened the door. “Look forward to that dinner.”

“Me, too.” He looked me in the eye as he said, “Take care of them.”