Page 48 of Falling for Brody

Chip nodded, his gaze fixed on Brody's face. "Like gentlemen."

Brody stood up and moved to the chair beside him. "Rhea?"

He watched as Rhea moved closer. He took hold of the back of the chair with both hands, even though he could have easily done it with one.

Brody was aware that Chip was copying him across the table.

The little boy was concentrating so hard that the tip of his tongue was poking out between his lips. He managed the chair well enough, and Brody watched Missus Hardy step in front of the chair, sharing a look with Rhea.

Brody pushed Rhea's chair in, and Chip copied with his own chair.

Brody saw a moment of surprise on Missus Hardy's face and thought Chip might have bumped into the backs of her legs, but Missus Hardy, or Aunt Bea, never said a thing.

They sat down moments later to a wonderful breakfast.

* * *

Later that day,after leaving school with a "super happy' kid, Rhea went to Grogan's to shop for groceries.

Bea had given her a list of things, but Rhea had a feeling that Bea hadn't included everything that she wanted.

Sooner than later, Rhea hoped that Bea would be more open with her, but she understood the hesitation. Together, they picked out all of the things on the list and added some items that they'd normally pick up from the store in their old hometown.

Even a few snacks that she thought Chip would like.

Money was going to be okay until her first paycheck, but she didn't want to dip too far into her savings. There would always be things that might pop up and with just herself there was one salary she was working with. So she was going to be careful but not keep Chip from having some fun.

As they were putting groceries away at the house, Chip was doing his best to help. Taking things out of the bags and putting them on the counter for her to put away on shelves or in the refrigerator.

"Whoa."

She turned when she heard Chip speak. She saw the head of cabbage he had in his hands.

"It looks as big as my head, mom!"

Rhea laughed and held out her hands. "Better let me grab that."

"I got it, mom! Look!" He lifted the cabbage over his head and Rhea put her hands on it.

"I got it, too."

"Okay," he giggled. "I'm letting go."

He looked so happy. It was a marked change to what he’d been like in their old hometown. She knew it wasn’t like flipping a switch to make everything in their lives good, but she was hoping that it was a start.

"Chip, baby?"

Chip frowned at her. "I'm becoming a big boy, mom!"

"Yes," she nodded. "I forgot. But, Chip, can I ask you a question?"

“Sure,” he looked up at her, his gaze moving over her face. “Is this something bad?”

“No.” She shook her head. “It’s not bad. I just had a question for you.”

He nodded. “What is it?”

She crouched down in front of him to look him in the eyes. “Are you happy we moved here?”

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