Page 60 of Unexpected Adventures

“You’re an amazing person, Abby.”

“I am?” I manage to sigh. His nibbling on my ear does wonderful things to my insides.

“Yes. You’re handling this situation with a lot of grace, while I’m sure inside, you want to crumble. I can see how much you and Sylvia mean to each other.”

“In such a short time, she feels like family.”

“Just remember what she said about visiting her. Your relationship doesn’t have to end just because you may not be her caregiver anymore.”

“I suppose.”

Shaun stops his attention to my neck, straightens, and turns me around to face him.“Maybe she’s right. Maybe you’re meant for more than this, and now’s the opportunity to think about that.”

“But I don’t know what I’m meant for. I hate change.” I hang my head, stupidly feeling sorry for myself.

“Does that mean you hate me?”

I suddenly whip my head up, looking at him with shock and surprise. “How can you say that?”

“Well, two days ago we never knew each other existed. And if someone had told me in that short of time, I’d be standing in the arms of an angel—to steal Sarah McLachlan’s words—I don’t think I would’ve believed them.”

“Pfft, I’ve hardly been an angel when I practically told you to go to Hell this morning.”He raises his eyebrows at me and I can’t help but blush. I rarely cuss, but changes are happening and I’m not sure what to do with them. I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately.” I look directly at him.

“A lot’s happened lately, so it’s understandable you’re shaken up a bit.” He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Maybe I can help steady you?”

“I think I’d like that,” I whisper.

“So, does that mean some changes are good?” He smiles.

I smile in return, standing on my tippy toes so that our lips nearly touch. “Some changes are magical.” I take his lips in a kiss that’s soft and subtle.

Before we get too caught up in ourselves, the doorbell chimes. Reluctantly, we pull away from one another, grinning.

“That’s probably Richard,” I say. “I’ll go see to it.”

“And I’ll take Sylvia her tea.”

Before leaving him, I give Shaun another quick kiss. “Thank you. For… for not giving up on me.”

“I’ll extract payment later.” He gently pushes me out of the kitchen, giving my bottom a playful swat.

Before I reach the door, I try like heck to wipe the enormous smile off my face.

It’s impossible.

I look through the peephole and see Sylvia’s son on the other side of the door. I gladly open it and greet him. “Hi, Richard. Come on in.”

Sylvia’s son, her oldest child at age fifty-five, is dressed nicely in slacks and a casual shirt. With a hint of a softening belly and thinning black hair, along with the type of face that says eternal cherub with his cute pudgy cheeks, Richard is one of the nicest men I’ve ever met.He’s happily married with two kids of his own and three grandkids.

“Hello, Abby. Nice to see you. How’s Mom?”

“I’m just fine, dear,” Sylvia calls from the living room.

He grins at me and we both make our way to her. Shaun is standing nearby.

Richard approaches Sylvia, giving her a kiss on the head. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she says. “Richard, this is Abby’s friend, Shaun. Shaun, my son, Richard.”

They shake hands and greet one another.

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