Page 80 of Crave Me

“The right people,” I agree.

She settles against me, watching the children work on their projects. Snacks follow, along with cake, the afternoon slipping quickly by.

I take the time to speak to each of the people in attendance, and while I enjoy my time with them, it’s the way Wren interacts with the children that stays with me. I’ve seen her around her young niece and cousins. Today is another indication of what a wonderful mother she’ll make.

I open the door to my Explorer just as the sun begins to set, allowing Wren to enter. I walk around to the driver’s side, taking my time to slip inside and start the engine.

“Alfred, home,” I say.

“Directions initiated,” Alfred responds.

The screen lights up, Alfred advising me to head west, although I can’t bring myself to pull away from the curb.

“Did you know about Gavin’s condition?” I ask.

“No,” she replies, adjusting the strap to her seatbelt. “I’d seen pictures of Susanna and Gavin on Clifton’s desk, and had an idea his son had issues, but I never knew it was this bad.” She releases the strap and meets my eyes. “He doesn’t have a lot of time, does he?”

“No.”

We fall into a sad silence. I glance back at the house when the door opens and Roberto and his family step out. His daughter chatters away, carefully carrying the little birdhouse she painted.

“How much do you think it will cost to alter our insurance so it covers more, if not all of Gavin’s care?”

The sadness Wren kept well hidden in Susanna’s presence reflects in her gaze, yet it doesn’t stop her small smile from forming. “A lot,” she admits.

“Make it happen,” I tell her. “Whatever it takes, make sure Clifton and my families have everything they need.”

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