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“That’s not what I mean. Am I being unfair to him?”
“Raising him without a father?”
“How do I know what the right thing to do is?”
Milo ate a couple of peanuts. “All you can do is try your best to make the right decisions.”
“Do you think I’m being selfish?”
“It’s not my place to say.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Say it anyway.”
He turned and leaned against the counter. “I think…the boy deserves to grow up with two parents.” He held up a finger. “But not at the expense of your happiness. If you’re miserable and filled with guilt over a relationship, that…well, it won’t work.”
“Would you mind…” She sighed. “Can I have a hug, please?”
He smiled. “Of course. I happen to be an excellent hugger.” He went to her and put his arms around her, and she laid her head on his shoulder.
“Why does everything have to be so complicated?”
“Things are only as complicated as you make them.”
She stepped back and looked at him. “I’m glad I walked into your classroom, Milo.”
Chapter twenty
“It’s a two-man job.”
Milo lifted Caleb onto the step stool in front of the counter, then handed him a wooden spoon. “Okay, give that pancake batter a good mix while I check the bacon.” He moved to the stove and flipped a few slices of bacon. “Looking good.”
“Mickey Mouse.”
“What’s that?”
“Mickey Mouse pancakes.”
“Ah…I think I can manage that.” He turned the heat on under the large frying pan. “As soon as the pan warms up, we’ll get right on that.” He took a sip of his coffee, then checked the bacon again. “How’s that coming along?”
“Good.”
Wilda came into the kitchen. “What’s going on in here? It smells wonderful.”
Caleb continued stirring the batter. “Pancakes.”
“I love pancakes.” Milo turned to her, and she patted her chest.
“How about some coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
“Caleb has requested Micky Mouse pancakes.”
“They are the best. Milo, I don’t suppose you have any chocolate chips in the cupboard?”
Caleb turned around so fast he nearly fell off the stool. Milo took his arm. “Whoa there, kid.”
“Chocolate chips!” Caleb looked at Milo.
