Page 21 of The Locksmith's Promise

“My dad,” he breathed. “Do you think I should call him dad?”

I shrugged. “I think that’s your call, but it’s something you can work out with him. Why don’t you go have a quick shower and I’ll make your breakfast. It’ll be ready by the time you come out.”

And so will I.

For once in his life, he hit the shower without an argument. There was a time, back when his limbs were soft and pudgy, I couldn’t get him out of the tub.

Bax had missed so much.

I crossed my arms on the table and laid my head in their cradle.

Rocking my head back and forth, I breathed deep.

Today I was helping my parents rearrange their kitchen to better serve my mom, so I needed to pull myself together.

“It’ll be okay,” I murmured.

It had to be.

Hours later, working to contain my emotions and Cor’s anticipation, I wasn’t so sure.

When Baxter knocked on the door, anxiety sent me soaring across the room to open it.

“Hi.” Seeing him stripped me raw. I swallowed, hard.

Those dark eyes I loved so much searched mine. “Hey. Is everything…”

He was as nervous as we were.

Old instincts kicked in, and I sought to put his mind at ease. “It’s good, Bax. He’s excited and he wants to know you.”

Some of the tension eased from his shoulders and he reached out a hand. “Mags…”

If he touched me now, every nerve in my body exposed as they were, the agony of it would surely kill me.

I danced back on my bare feet and swung the door open wide. “Come on in.”

His mouth tightened, but he dipped his head and crossed the threshold.

I waved around the entranceway. “It’s not much. We’ve only been here for a couple of months, and I haven’t really had time to do anything with it.”

This wasn’t a case of false modesty. Other than the basics, my bookshelf, mini-greenhouse, and our large-screen TV, the place was bare. I cleared my throat and carried on. Where the hell was Corwin?

“All of our things are still in boxes. We’re not planning to stay here long-term—”

He cut in sharply, his voice dropping. “You’re leaving Moose Lake?”

My gaze snapped to meet his. I shook my head. “We’re staying in Moose Lake. My mom and dad are getting older, my mom has some health issues, and I want Corwin to grow up with people who love him.”

He nodded. “Is your mom okay?”

I nodded slowly. “She will be. It’s not life-threatening but has the potential to be serious.”

I gave my head a shake before I found myself drifting into a long-winded explanation of everything that was going on in my life.

He crossed to my greenhouse. “You still love flowers. What have you got going on in here?”

“I’ve got a few bulbs I’m coaxing to come out, and these little guys are succulents.”

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