It won’t be easy. I’m not even sure if I’ll be capable of pulling it off, but I at least owe them the effort to try. I owe Melanie that much.
When I finish the book and close it, the girls yawn, and I kiss both their foreheads. “Bedtime, angels.”
I tuck them in and turn out the light.
“Goodnight, Daddy,” Ella whispers.
“Goodnight, honey.”
I head down the stairs and into the foyer. There’s an entryway storage bench, and Grace’s coat hangs on a hook above it, along with the ratty scarf the girls were talking about. Her jacket looks like it’s seen better days as well.
She arrived with all her belongings in a single duffel bag.
I suddenly realize how little I know about this woman. I’m desperate to know every detail.
I hear her in the kitchen and join her. She’s pouring some milk over cereal and turns like she’s been caught doing something wrong.
“Hungry?” I ask.
“Oh, I—”
“It’s okay, Grace. I’ve been known to have a bowl of cereal late at night.”
“Really?”
“Uh huh.” I pick up the plate of food she kept warm for me. “I’m aCount Choculaguy.”
She hooks a thumb toward herself. “Captain Crunchgirl.”
“Can I join you?”
“Sure.” She scoots on a barstool at the island, and I grab a fork and join her.
At the first bite of lasagna, flavor floods my mouth.
“Do you like it?” she asks timidly.
“I do. Thanks for saving me up a plate.”
“No problem.”
“We’re supposed to get a cold snap next week,” I say, trying to think how to get to the point.
“Oh? I hadn’t heard.”
“The coat in the hall? Is that the only one you’ve got?”
She lowers her spoon. “Um, yes.”
“You might need something warmer.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“How about I take you shopping? I’ll buy you a new coat. Call it a Christmas present.”
“Thanks, really… but I don’t need your help. I’m going shopping when I get paid.”
“Right. Payday. I almost forgot. Cash okay?”