Page 15 of The Reward of You

I head back next door in a daze.

“Girls! Meeting in the kitchen!” I call as soon as I step into the entryway. There’s a flurry of noise from upstairs and then two sets of feet pounding down the stairs.

I make myself a cup of tea before I turn to their eager faces waiting at the breakfast bar.

“Meeting about what?” Miranda asks ever to the point.

“Sam. And him moving in.”

“Yeah!” Bea cries, throwing both arms up in a victory sign.

“Not quite so fast, Bea. I mean slowly, but starting now. He’s not used to being around kids and you aren’t used to his daily habits either.”

Her excitement fades. “So, what does that mean?”

“It means he’s going to come over for dinner every night. Sometimes he might head back right after, sometimes he’ll stay until you’re in bed and sometimes he might stay later than that.”

Miranda smirks but doesn’t say anything. Bea’s brow furrows. “How is that moving in?”

“I asked him to bring one thing over every night.”

“Oh.” She seems satisfied.

“Listen, both of you. I like Sam a lot and he likes all of us, but there’s still a chance this won’t work out. I want to be clear if it doesn’t, it’s because of him and me, not you guys.”

Miranda rolls her eyes while Bea’s grow huge. “Why are you talking about it not working? It’sSam!”

I guess she has a point in her positive outlook. “Any questions?”

“Can Sam take me to school so I don’t have to go to Miranda’s school first?” Bea pipes up almost immediately.

I shake my head. “Maybe at some point. If he offers. But you’re still both my kids and my responsibility. Do not ask him, Bea. Clear?” Mild defiance washes across her face, but eventually she nods reluctantly.

The meeting adjourns with a quick group hug, which even Miranda participates in. Inspecting the fridge for our dinner options, I have to remind myself that Sam is not coming as a dinner guest, not really. So the basic spaghetti with broccoli on the side I was planning on is going to have to do. Just maybe with some extra meatballs, because I suspect he eats about the same calories as the three of us combined.

Then I make a little note on my phone to tell Sam I love him at least twice a day. He needs to hear it and I like saying it. I can’t help but wonder how late he’ll stay after dinner…

10

I contemplate what my one item should be as I finish up the weekend chores at my place. Usually this is a satisfying activity, but now all I can think about is getting back to Noelle. And when I can kiss her again until she’s melting in my arms.

There’s not much sentimental in my place. I didn’t have much after years in the service and then settling here to work at ACI.

Then I hit on the perfect thing. The one that will say I mean it and I’m not playing around here. The medical kit I used to stitch her up the other night. With a smug smile, I set it on the hall table and pack an overnight bag. No way am I missing an opportunity to make love to Noelle. She can push me out the door if she wants to, but I’m leading with intention all the way.

I don’t even have to go knock on the door because Bea comes to find me. “Mom says dinner will be ready in five minutes.” She’s practically beaming with delight, so I grab my bags and let her lock the door. She bounces next to me down the driveway and up the other side, holding my keys like a trophy.

Dinner is surprisingly fun. The girls don’t seem to resent my presence at all. Miranda seems downright gleeful to get a male perspective on the high school boys, despite Bea’s interjected refrain of, “Boys are stupid, why do you care?”

“And what about the Sam who called you a liar?” I tease her gently.

Her little face scrunches up. “He’s a poop head.”

Fair enough and nobody else disputes her character assessment.

“Okay girls, time to get your lunches and bags together for the morning.”

“Guess that means I should move my car out of the way, huh?” I realize thinking of the rushed school run — my first ever, I should add — from a few days ago. “Oh, and would it be easier if I dropped Bea off in the morning? Her school is on the way to the office.” I’m hesitant here to interrupt Noelle’s set routine. Maybe she doesn’t want me pushing into parenting duties so quickly, but if it makes her morning a little easier, I’m all for attempting it.

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