Page 19 of A Taste of Grace

Did he slow-drawl when he said the word anything?

“Here’s my cell number. Text me so I’ll have yours.” He held out his hand and licked his lips, raising his eyebrow at me until I obeyed him like he was my daddy.

Did he do that on purpose?

“I will check in midway through the event and on my way home. Do you have any questions for me?”

My eyes almost bucked out of my head at the overwhelming meticulousness with which Caleb laid out the nighttime plans with his daughters and the charm he exuded by simply breathing. I wasn’t sure there would be time for us to do any of the spontaneous activities I planned.

Without waiting for a response, he rushed to the refrigerator and removed cartons of low-fat milk and reduced-sugar orange juice. He set them on the counter and reached into the cabinet for two small plastic cups.

“They can have no more than two cups of diluted juice. Half water, half juice. If they don’t want juice, they can drink one cup of milk or water. Before bed, they must brush and floss between all teeth and say their prayers. Any questions, Ms. Grace?” He stared at me with intensity again.

To avoid squirming, I picked up the paper with the information he shared and reviewed it, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.

“I think I have it. Were you in the military?”

“No. I’m just a man of routine. Text me if you need me. I can be here in thirty minutes.” He walked toward what I assumed was his bedroom.

“All will be well, Pastor.” I gave him a reassuring smile and saluted him.

He laughed hard.

“You are hilarious.”

He stood still and raised his eyebrow.

“It’s Caleb, Grace.”

“Excuse me?”

“You called me Pastor. I’m Caleb to you.” He winked.

“I’m just honoring a man of the cloth.”

“I’m also a man with flaws, opinions, and needs.”

Whoa.

“You’re honoring me when you care for my precious children in my home.” His megawatt smile and lingering gaze behind those long lashes had me starstruck.

“I can already tell your girls are angels.”

“Believe that if you want,” he said with a smirk.

“See? I told you she was a princess!” Hannah ran from behind the couch and threw a shy smile my way, which I returned with a wink.

I was so focused on Caleb’s demeanor and presence, I forgot the girls were so close. I walked to them and squatted to get at eye level with them again.

“Let Daddy get ready. Wash your hands, and I’ll fix your plates.” I turned to Caleb, remembering Nita’s message. “Nita wanted me to remind you to breathe.”

A Sign

After I checkedmy home security system to make sure that Grace and the girls were secure, I walked to my Lexus and settled into the driver’s seat, taking Aunt Nita’s advice to breathe in and out to calm myself.

There was no way this side of heaven a woman that perfect dropped on my doorstep without God having something to do with it. Grace’s sexy ass was exactly my type. Her chestnut-colored eyes, pretty white teeth, and hourglass-shape made me want to release a nut with each step she took.

It wasn’t even that she wore seductive clothes. In fact, she was the opposite with modest attire, subtle makeup, and classicbeauty that hinted at an untold story. She was observant, not too loud but gentle and demure with a nurturing spirit that my babies sucked up like water in a sponge.

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