Page 9 of An Unexpected Chance

“My new favorite shirt has a unicorn on it.” Her eyes widened. “We found pink jeans! And hair ties to match!”

I laughed at her enthusiasm. “So you had a good day with Auntie Holly, Angela, and Hannah?”

“The best!”

I set her down on her feet. “Good.”

“Did you do the grocery shopping?”

I tapped her nose. “Yes. And I got us maple cookies. But compared to what’s going on here, they are a poor substitute.”

Holly laughed and came over, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “We had a great day, and the girls wanted to bake. Chocolate chip cookies seemed in order.”

“And I encouraged it,” Evan said from across the room, bouncing Brandon on his knee. I crossed the room and sat at the table, snagging a fresh cookie and sitting back, enjoying watching the girls.

Holly glanced my way. “You’re staying for dinner?” she asked, but it sounded more like a command.

“Well, I went grocery shopping, so we have food. But since it won’t taste anywhere near as good as yours, the answer is yes.”

“Great. You can look at all the stuff we bought.”

“Can’t wait.”

* * *

After dinner, the kids ran outside, and we followed, settling in chairs as we watched them play.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Holly mused. “The girls get along so well.”

“They do,” I agreed, sipping my coffee and having another fresh-made cookie.

“So, ah, do you have plans Friday night?” I asked casually.

“No,” Evan replied, laying his arm across the back of the swing he and Holly shared. “Why?”

“Any chance you could look after Mia? Maybe let her spend the night?”

Holly grinned. “Anytime. She is always welcome.”

Evan narrowed his eyes. “Where will you be? Some late work thing?”

I chuckled. “No. I have a date.”

Holly leaned forward. “With Amy?”

“Yes. We bumped into each other at the store and ended up having a quick lunch. I asked her out.”

Holly grinned, looking delighted. “Sure, we’ll keep Mia. Right, Evan?”

“Of course.”

Angela called for her mom, and Holly stood. “Don’t be gossiping without me.”

“We don’t gossip, woman,” Evan said.

“Whatever,” she muttered and hurried away to help Angela.

He turned to me. “Amy, eh?”