Page 138 of The Persistence of Thornes
“It’s good,” he goes on. “Seeing you happy, I mean.”
“Was I unhappy before?” I turn the mixer off and nod at the bowl, urging him to check the consistency.
“That’s not what I meant. I?—”
I hold up a hand. “I know the two of you worried that I wouldn’t move on, but that’s silly. I’ve dated in the past, but until now, I hadn’t found the right person. I wasn’t going to rush into anything just to ease your guilt.”
Thayer flinches, but he holds eye contact. “Understood.”
Yeah, we’re all good, but that doesn’t mean I want them prying into my love life.
“Pass me that bowl.” He takes the mixer out of my hand and points to the island.
I heft the large serving dish and set it on the counter so he can fill it with the potatoes.
He clearly doesn’t need my help now that both hands are free, so I go in search of Halle. When I don’t find her downstairs or on either porch, I head up to the second floor. I can’t imagine she’d venture up here on her own, but it’s possible Salem sent her to grab something, and I think she would have checked in if she was running next door.
The noise from downstairs fades as I hit the top landing. Only then can I make out the sound of voices down the hall.
Near the end, I peer through Soleil’s open bedroom door, finding Halle kneeling on the floor with the little girl,each with a Barbie in hand. Neither of them notices my presence in the doorway, so I take a moment to just watch.
Halle interacts easily with Seda’s little sister, playing along with the story she’s creating for the dolls.
“You stole my purse,” Soleil says in a high-pitched tone.
Halle mock gasps, moving her doll’s arm up in time with the sound. “I didn’t steal anything. I got this from the mall.”
“If by mall,” Soleil says, “you mean my closet.”
A laugh slips out at the sass coming from such a tiny human.
The two of them turn in unison, eyes going wide.
“Go on,” I tell them. “I want to know what happens next.”
“Caleb,” Soleil groans. “You ruined it.”
“We can play again later.” With a soft smile, Halle unfolds her legs and stands.
“Dinner’s almost ready. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starved,” Halle groans, hand on her stomach.
“Piggyback ride?” I ask Soleil.
Giggling, she bounces to her feet. “I’ll never say no to that.”
I crouch down so she can hop on, then zoom out of the room. I’m careful on the stairs, but when we hit the first floor, I spin in a fast circle, causing Soleil to screech in my ear. Once I set her on her feet, she grins and takes off, joining the other kids in the family room.
Halle brushes my arm as she passes me at the bottom of the steps, but I snatch her hand and tug her into me.
“You’re good with her.”
She shrugs off my praise, gaze averted. “I always wanted a little sister.”
“Dinner’s ready!” Thayer hollers from the kitchen. “Make your plates in the kitchen and sit wherever you want.”
As a stampede of kids makes its way past us, with Cynthia, Thelma, and Laith bringing up the rear, I hold tight to Halle, then guide her in behind them.
