I tried to stifle my disappointment. He was only asking for the kids. “Yeah, sure. For the kids,” I said. “I can’t wait to see them.”
I can’t wait to see you.
“Wonderful. Same time as last time?” Kevin asked.
“Sounds great to me.”
“Well, the kids are looking forward to it. And me. Me and the kids.”
I grinned at his words as I leaned back in my chair, allowing myself to feel the slightest bit relieved.
“Should I bring anything?” I asked.
“Just yourself. That’s the only thing we need.”
His words claimed a chokehold on my throat as a silence fell over the conversation.
“Well, we’ll see you tonight,” Kevin said.
“Yes. Tonight,” I said breathlessly.
I hung up the phone and slowly set it back down on my desk. I looked around my room as his words settled into my bones. Me. The only thing they needed. Not the kids? But him, too?
Maybe I was reading too much into things.
The last thing I needed was to get my hopes up.
Six o’clock came around and I was knocking on the front door of their massive home. I heard the kids running into the foyer before the door creaked open and Daniel ran into my arms. I picked up a giggling Sydney and held her close as Kevin appeared. He had on a pair of tailored pants and a white linen shirt, and it was hard for me to take my eyes off him.
“
You’re here!” Daniel said. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I love you, Miss Brooke,” Sydney said.
“Oh, I love you too, sweetheart,” I said into the top of her head. “And something smells good in here.”
“I hope you like duck,” Kevin said with a smile.
“Never had it.”
“Then I’m sure you’ll love what the chef has prepared for tonight. It’s the best duck in the city,” he said.
“Miss Brooke, I went to school today,” Daniel said.
“Oh, really. And how is it going?” I asked.
“Really awesome. I told everyone about swimming and the waterslide and the beach.”
“And I told everyone about you,” Sydney said.
I looked over at Kevin before my eyes drifted to Sydney.
“You told them about me?” I asked.
“Yeah. ’Cuz you’re my best friend,” Sydney grinned up at me.
“Well, thank you, Sydney. I’m honored to be your best friend,” I said.