Page 90 of Her Silver Fox Firefighters
Chloe shakes her head with confidence. “I’ve seen the boy work. He’s cautious and gentle with my things. Besides, it’s just a few sets of plates, glasses, and pans I had delivered from my parents’ place in Devon. Selling that house will take a while. In the meantime, I didn’t want their things gathering dust.”
“You did good to bring everything here,” I say. “I guess it helps to make you feel connected to them, huh?”
“Yeah. I can’t wait to start baking again. I’ve got all of my mom’s utensils, and her recipe books, and the how-to videos she recorded to give to me later. She called that folder on her phone ‘Chloe’s Dowry,’” she says and laughs.
“Making sure you got a head start in your married life,” I tease.
“She sounds like a wonderful woman,” Carlos says. “I’m sorry I will never get to meet her or your dad.”
“You would’ve loved my dad,” Chloe says as she points to one of the boxes marked “Daddy’s Booze.” “He was a big whiskey and tequila aficionado. You two would’ve had a ball together. He’s got a whole tasting kit in there, along with fancy bar setup items, including spherical ice molds. The man respected the craft.”
“Hopefully, you’ll choose to stay here and continue some traditions,” Carlos says, giving her a soft smile.
“And start some new ones, too,” I add. “You’ve got family here, Chloe. We may not be bound by blood, but we’re bound by something just as powerful.”
“Daddy used to say that we get two families in this life,” Chloe sighs, one hand resting on Carlos’s shoulder. Every day they get closer. Fleeting glances, subtle touches, rushed smiles. It makes my soul happy to see Chloe come back to life like this. “The family we’re born into and the family you choose. You know I chose you, right, Olivia?”
“And I choose you, Chloe, always.”
Just then, Luke comes into the living room.
“How’s it going, little man?” Carlos asks him.
“So far, so good,” he replies with a crooked smile. “I didn’t break anything.”
We all chuckle. “That’s a great start,” I say. “You kept a box for the old plates and stuff, right? Your dad and uncles are coming over in a bit to take it to Goodwill.”
“Only the ones marked with red, right,” Chloe kindly reminds him.
Luke gives a firm nod. “Yes, ma’am. I’m super careful.” Hepauses and gives me a concerned look. “How are you feeling, Olivia?”
“I’m okay, why?”
“Just making sure,” he says, then comes over to the coffee table and pours himself a glass of peach iced tea. He points at the almost empty pitcher. “I can make some more, if you want.”
“You’ve got plenty of work cut out for yourself already, buddy,” I reply. “I’ll handle it; don’t worry about it.”
Chloe and Carlos watch the exchange with amused interest, neither saying a word as Luke frowns slightly. “I want to be a good son,” he says quietly.
“Wait, what? Youarea good son, Luke. You’re agreatson, actually. You are loved. Your dad and your uncles adore you,” I eagerly reassure him.
“Yes, but I want to be a good son to you, too,” he says.
The words touch me deeply, crashing through my solar plexus and leaving me breathless as I stare at this beautiful boy and realize what it is he’s trying to say. His dark brown eyes are open wide, reminding me of a sweet doe. Curls of black hair fall loosely around his cute, round face. His lips quiver ever so slightly.
I reach out and hug him. “Oh, honey. I don’t know what to say,” I reply, holding him tight as he wraps his slender arms around my neck. “You are already the best son I could ever ask for.”
“Good, ‘cause I really love you.”
“I love you, too, honey. And you’re going to be an amazing big brother, I know it. The little ones are going to adore you.”
Chloe sniffs and blinks back tears. “I did not have this on my Moving Day bingo card; I can tell you that much.”
“Yeah, me either,” Carlos adds, equally touched.
“Can I please make the peach tea?” Luke asks as he shyly pulls back. “I’ve already seen you do it like a bajillion times.”
“Sure, go knock yourself out, kiddo.”
