Page 93 of York

“No.”

“Once I’m awake, I’m gonna make pancakes for breakfast.”

That was the wrong thing to say because Denali apparently woke up with an appetite and wouldn’t stop talking about pancakes until a tired Runa climbed out of bed and stumbled downstairs to get the food started.

I took a few minutes to text Huck, letting him know that we would be staying for a few days to sort things out.

Then I made my way downstairs to find Denali at the giant kitchen counter, eating freeze-dried strawberries right out of the giant can as Runa stood at the stove pouring batter into a hot pan.

There was a sharp feeling in my chest, so strong it made my step falter, made me lift my hand and rub at my chest.

Because I liked the image more than I would admit. I could picture thousands of ones just like it.

“Daddy, do you want strawberries?” she asked, reaching into the can and producing a pink-powder-coated hand and a few pieces of sliced, dried strawberries.

I took one to humor her before walking up behind Runa, swiping her hair to the side, and pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.

“Looks pretty good for thirty-year-old pancake mix.”

She chuckled at that as she let herself lean into me for a moment.

“I think, if we are staying the full day, a trip to town to get a couple of fresh foods might be necessary. And coffee.”

“Denali and I could take a trip, if you want. Give you some time to yourself to explore. You didn’t get a chance to check out your old outdoor haunts.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Nope. But I take no responsibility if Denali throws a bunch of snacks into the cart.”

“So long as you also throw some fruits and veggies in.”

“And sauces,” I said.

“Can never forget those,” she agreed.

“What do you say, princess? You wanna head into town with me after breakfast to pick up some groceries?”

“Do they have little carts?” she asked, hopeful.

“Last time I was there, yes,” Runa answered. “But I can’t make any promises, so don’t get your hopes up too high, okay?”

She slid a plate in front of Denali, who put way too much maple syrup on them. Add that to the grocery list.

“Can I bring a toy?” Denali asked.

“Sure,” I agreed.

“But no more than three,” Runa said. Then to me, in a lower voice, “Trust me, you need to set limits.”

While I cleaned up after breakfast, Runa took Denali upstairs to shower when she got herself an unreasonable amount of sticky from her syrup.

“What are you doing?” Runa asked when I stepped into the shower with her after the kitchen was spotless again.

“Saving water.”

“Denny—”

“Is down in the library with her books again,” I said, reaching for her hips and pulling her back against my chest.