Page 57 of Tactical Revival

But Silas is quiet, reserved, and keeps to himself. Except when Eloise is in the room. It’s clear how much he loves the little girl he’s been raising since her parents died.

As soon as I’m done with the coffee, I head into the foyer again and offer him a mug, then sit on one of the high-back chairs across from him. “Eloise is adorable.”

“She’s perfect,” he replies.

“It must be hard, raising her all alone.”

“You would know a thing or two about being a single parent,” he replies.

“Sure, but it’s different. Matty was older when Chad left. You’ve been raising her since she was an infant, right?”

He nods.

“That takes a strong person, and you’re doing a fantastic job. Not that you need me to tell you that.”

The closest thing I’ve seen to a smile when Eloise isn’t around graces his face. “Still nice to hear it sometimes.”

“That’s true.”

He takes a drink of his coffee, clearly uncomfortable with the personal conversation. That is, if his fidgeting is any indication. “You’ve done a great job with your son. He’s a good kid.”

“He is. I give God all the credit for that one, though. He guided us both through Chad leaving and helped keep me sane when I wanted to lie down and cry.”

Silas doesn’t respond, and I get the feeling he’s not entirely sure about his own faith. “I haven’t seen you at church.”

“I don’t go,” he replies, then turns back to his computer.

“Thanks for bringing her here, and for staying.”

“Thank you for the coffee.” He offers me a half smile, so I get up and head into the kitchen to start prepping for dinner. Should I be cooking? Probably not.

But I’m desperate for lasagna and something that will keep me busy. Aside from fresh towels, which Matty ran up to room three, and a lightbulb replacement in room four, which Matty also handled, no one has really needed anything.

It’s been quiet. And quiet allows my mind to wander.

The bell over the front door rings, and I glance over as Jaxson comes inside.

Just seeing him makes my heart flutter and my stomach twist into nervous knots. I can still feel his arms around me from last night, still feel the gentle caress of his fingers against my cheek when he’d come in to check on me because he thought I was asleep.

Oh, to have the love of a man like that.

What would that be like?

He and Silas fall into a deep conversation, and Silas nods, then says something quietly in response. What are they talking about? Me? Lanetti? An update in the case?

The two men shake hands.

“Eloise, we have to go, Nugget.”

“Ahh, Uncle Si! I haven’t won, though!”

“We’ll play again,” Matty promises.

“Okay.” She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout, but hugs Matty, then bounces over to her uncle. “Bye, Mrs. Anderson.”

“Bye, sweetie. We’ll see you soon, okay? Thanks again, Silas.”

He nods, then takes the little girl’s hand and heads out the front door.

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