Page 44 of Everything I Desire

“Well, I just came from the school. Maura was in the office when I left, demanding to withdraw Kayla.”

I suck in a breath, “She didn’t get her did she?”

“No, fortunately the ladies in the front office know the situation and have a soft spot for you,” she chuckles. “Kayla, nor Adelaide, know about her showing up. I didn’t know if you’d want Adelaide to know so I’m leaving that up to you. But your emergency custody still stands. Once Maura saw me she ran, I assume she doesn’t want me to let my Dad know.”

My shoulders drop, “Yea. Probably not after her run in last week with him and the drunk tank.”

“I figured as much. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, and to let you know court has been set for mid-July for the permanent guardianship hearing. I think we have a good chance.” She beams at the thought that this could be over for Kayla.

I’m so grateful for her, and the fact she actually cares about Kayla. I’ve heard and seen so many horror stories about case workers being overworked and not giving kids the attention they need. Another perk, I’m realizing, of a small town.

Chapter Seventeen

Adelaide

Porter is grilling for me tonight, and the weather is finally turning warmer. It’s the perfect night for grilling and a fire. Just cool enough that the fire will take the chill out of the air.

I am making a pasta salad to bring over because I know that Porter is probably only grilling steaks. I chuckle to myself as I put the final touches on the pasta salad. A memory of trying to teach Porter to cook macaroni and cheese, from a box, bubbles up. We stayed after school with the Home Economics teacher, and I attempted to teach him how to cook. When it was clear that he couldn’t follow a recipe, we moved on to the box of macaroni and cheese. He overcooked the noodles and added way too much milk. So he basically had mushy noodle and cheese soup. I believe his skills have somewhat improved, but not by much.

When it’s time to go over for dinner, I grab all my things and walk through the yard. I raise my hand to knock on the door when it swings open.

“Hey, Addy!” Kayla hugs me almost causing me to drop my pasta salad.

“Oh, what did you bring?” She asks before taking it from me and peeking under the corner of the lid as she walks.

I follow behind her into the kitchen. “I made some pasta salad, because I know your uncle is probably only grilling steaks.”

She laughs at my comment, “You’re right. But I did make a Caesar salad for you.” She pulls a salad bowl out of the refrigerator.

I lift the lid to peek into the bowl like she did, “Mmm, that looks delicious.” I say, placing the lid back on and putting everything into the refrigerator.

Porter comes in from the slider doors leading to the backyard. He looks delicious in his usual tight, dark jeans and black tee. He’s freshly showered and his cedar soap scent is reaching me before he does.

“Hey, baby.” He greets me in a low husky voice that makes my knees go weak.

“Hey, handsome.” I lean into him.

“Did I hear that you made pasta salad?” He nuzzles into my neck.

“Okay, okay, I’m still here!” Kayla exclaims from the other side of the island in the center of the kitchen.

Laughing with Kayla, I take the tray off the counter with plates and silverware and carry it outside to the table leaving Porter alone inside.

Kayla and I are setting the table when he comes back out with a tray for the steaks. I laugh at him as he opens the grill because I am correct in that he only made the main dish of steaks and no sides.

Kayla runs back inside and I look at Porter, confused.

“Eric is probably here,” he answers, rolling his eyes. He’s still leery of Eric being around Kayla by themselves. But he’s made a lot of strides in not being so overprotective with him. The kid's new fear of security cameras helps a ton.

I walk over to the grill where he is standing and wrap my arms around him, resting my cheek on his back. “I’m proud of you for letting him come over tonight.”

He grunts in disapproval. I twist around so I’m facing him and push up on my tiptoes. He takes the hint and leans down to kiss me. His hand sliding up my cheek and lacing my hair around his fingers.

“Oh my gosh, that is the cutest picture.” Kayla squeals.

She hands her phone to Eric who nods. Then she must send off the photo to Porter and I because both of our phones go off at the same time.

I pull my phone from my back pocket and look at the photo. It’s actually pretty perfect. The pink and orange sunset is behind us, and Porter is smiling right before he kisses me. It’s like the happiness can be felt from simply looking at the photo.

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