Page 50 of Finders Keepers

She nods enthusiastically. “We made cookies! And I drawed pictures!”

“Drew pictures,” I correct gently, adjusting her onto my hip.

Sophie finally notices Gavin standing there. She immediately tucks her face against my neck, suddenly shy.

“Can you say hi to Mr. Gavin Soph?” I ask softly.

She peeks out with one eye, then quickly hides again. “Hi,” comes the muffled response.

“Hi Sophie. Your mom told me you made some amazing cookies tonight.”

She lifts her head slightly. “They got chocolate chips.”

“Ms. Lucy’s chocolate chip cookies are my absolute favorite,” he says seriously.

A tiny smile appears on her face before she buries it against me again.

Ms. Lucy steps forward. “You two have a good evening?” Her eyes twinkle knowingly.

“We did,” I answer, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you again for watching her.”

“Anytime, honey. This little angel and I had ourselves a ball.” She pats Sophie’s back and I feel her shift her head so she’s now looking at Ms. Lucy. “Now, I’ve packed up those cookies, and there’s a little container of spaghetti for your lunch tomorrow in her backpack.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Nonsense, I wanted to.”

Gavin checks his watch. “I should probably head out. Early appointments tomorrow.”

“Of course,” I say.

“I’ll call you?” It comes out as a question.

I nod, shifting Sophie to my other hip. “I’d like that.”

He smiles, and for a moment, everything feels possible.

I carry Sophie into our tiny house, her warm weight against my chest grounding me in the moment. The cookie smell lingers on her pajamas.

“Time for bed, baby girl.”

“But I’m not sleepy.” Her protest ends in a yawn.

“Baking those cookies must have worn you out.” I carry her to our bedroom.

“Can you tell me a story?” She asks as I tuck the blanket around her shoulders.

“Just a short one.” I smooth her blonde hair back from her forehead. “Once upon a time, there was a brave little girl who loved to draw pictures…”

By the time I finish the story, her breathing has deepened into sleep. I watch her for a moment, my heart so full it aches. She looks so peaceful, one arm wrapped around her bunny.

I do my nightly security check, front door deadbolt, back door chain, all windows latched. The routine calms my nerves, helps me feel in control. When I reach for my phone to plug it in, my blood turns to ice.

12 missed calls from Lisa.

8 text messages.

My hands shake as I slip back out of the bedroom, careful not to wake Sophie. In the kitchen, I press Lisa’s contact, my heart hammering against my ribs.

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