Page 96 of Finders Keepers

Sophie’s words from earlier echo in my mind about him making me happy.

“That sounds nice,” I hear myself say before I can overthink it. “Sophie would love that.”

His face lights up. “Great. Is six okay?”

“Six is good.”

He steps closer, and the air between us shifts. His eyes drop to my lips for just a moment before finding mine again.

“Bailey,” he says my name like it’s something precious, “would it be alright if I kissed you goodnight?”

My breath catches. The question is so respectful. He’s still asking permission, not assuming, not taking.

I nod, unable to find my voice.

He steps closer, one hand gently cupping the back of my head. His touch is warm, steady.

His lips meet mine in a kiss that’s soft and unhurried. It feels like a promise, like the beginning of something that could be beautiful if I’m brave enough to let it.

When he pulls back, his eyes search mine, and I see something there that makes my heart race.

“Goodnight, Bailey,” he whispers, opening the door.

“Goodnight,” I manage to say, my voice barely audible.

I watch through the window as he walks to his truck, waiting until his taillights disappear up the driveway before I turn the deadbolt. The familiar click grounds me as I begin my nightly routine. Checking the windows, making sure the back door is locked, testing the front door handle one more time.

Iwatch Sophie bounce on her toes as we walk up Ms. Lucy’s porch steps. The screen door squeaks open before we reach it, and Tommy bursts out with a flash of brown curls.

“Sophie!”

“Tommy!” She releases my hand and runs to meet him.

The kids collide in a hug that nearly knocks them both over, giggling. My heart swells seeing her so carefree, so different from the quiet, withdrawn child she was just weeks ago.

Molly appears in the doorway, her copper hair catching the morning sun. She opens her arms and steps toward me. There’s that split-second, that tiny hesitation where my body tenses, but I push through it, letting myself be enveloped in her warm embrace. The scent of coffee and vanilla wraps around me.

“Good morning Bailey!” She squeezes me tight before pulling back. “You look great today.”

I smooth down my sundress, still not quite used to wearing something so feminine after months of living in leggings and oversized hoodies. “Thank you. So do you.”

Ms. Lucy appears behind her, already herding the kids inside. “Now y’all come on in here. I’ve got fresh lemonade cooling, and these little ones are gonna help me make a special pie for later.”

“Pie?” Sophie questions, tugging on Tommy’s hand.

Ms. Lucy smiles warmly. “Well sugar, we’re making a special peach cobbler for the bingo night prize. The seniors at the community center just love my secret recipe, and I could use some little helpers to make it extra special.” She winks at both of them. “Now don’t you two worry about a thing.” She turns to me and Molly. “These two are gonna be just fine.”

I kneel down to Sophie’s level, straightening her little butterfly clip. “You be good for Ms. Lucy, okay? I’ll be back in a little bit”

She throws her arms around my neck. “Love you, Mama.”

“Love you too, baby.” I hold her tight for a moment, breathing her in.

“Come on, Sophie!” Tommy calls from inside. “Ms. Lucy says we can feed the chickens!”

Sophie plants a kiss on my cheek before turning towards Tommy.

“They’re gonna wear me out today.” Ms. Lucy shakes her head, but her smile is fond. “Y’all go on now. Get your work done.”

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