Page 27 of Unexpected Gifts

Abby switched off the lamp, which prompted the nightlights plugged into several outlets to click on, leaving the room dim but not completely dark. She tiptoed out, leaving the door ajar as Sophie had asked of her the night before. All these details were important. They were the thread that would hold these children together in the days to come. Abby must pay close attention at all times.

She went to Jack’s room, expecting him to be awake, and was prepared to sit with him until he fell asleep. However, the day had worn the little guy out. He was curled on his side, fast asleep, holding his stuffed bear close to his chest. Rufus had curled up at the end of the small bed. “I see how it is, you naughty thing,” Abby said to Rufus, scratching behind his ears. “You’ve taken it upon yourself to look after Jack and forget all about me.”

Rufus whined and placed his chin on his front paws, tail wagging.

“You’re a good dog,” Abby said, fighting tears. “A very good dog.” She gave him a few more pets before turning her attention to Jack.

She drew the covers up and over his shoulders and knelt to kiss his forehead, catching a whiff of mint from his toothpaste and the sweet scent of his floppy hair. And those dark lashes against his cheeks. Her heart felt as if someone with a large, strong fist was squeezing it, wringing it dry of blood and filling it with tears instead.

Ramona, I’ll do my best. I promise.

Abby wokein the morning to her phone buzzing next to the bed. She sat up, eyelids heavy, dismayed to see it was nearly eight. Were the children up already?

There was a text from Grace on her phone.

Good morning, doll. I remembered as I drifted off to sleep last night that Ramona always took the kids to pick out a tree the day after Thanksgiving. I thought it might be nice if we went together. If you’d like to, that is. No pressure.

All of us. Did that mean Luke and Lily, too?

Abby texted back.

Good morning! Sophie told me about the tradition last night, and I promised we’d go today. She said they always started with a late breakfast at Bean Counters.

A few seconds later, a text came back from Grace.

Wonderful. Lily’s excited to spend the day with the kids. Luke is too.

Okay, well, that answered that. Luke would be joining them as well. Her stomach did a little flip at the thought of seeing him again. Not that it mattered one way or another. He’d forever touched her heart the moment he kissed her. Would he wake to regret it? Or would he feel as she did? That it was a gift. An unexpected one, but one nonetheless.

A few hours later,Abby walked into Bean Counters with the children in tow. She immediately spotted Luke and Lily at a large table in the back. Lily squealed at the sight of them and bounced in the booster seat attached to a regular chair. Where was Grace?

Abby grew warm at the sight of the ridiculously handsome man currently grinning at her, a spark of flirtation in his eyes.

“Morning, Abby.”

“Good morning.” For heaven’s sake, she was blushing like a teenager. “Where’s Grace?”

“She decided not to come at the last minute,” Luke said. “I think she’s tired after yesterday. She wears herself out during the holidays. So, you’re stuck with just me and Lily. I hope that’s acceptable?”

“Stuckwouldn’t be the word I’d use,” Abby said, flirting right back. “And yes, it’s acceptable.”

Jack and Sophie had already taken seats at the table, leaving only one left, right beside Luke. It was embarrassing how muchjoy that gave her. She slid into the wooden chair, scooting it a little to the left so she wasn’t on top of the man. If she felt a thigh brushing hers, she might come completely undone. Best to stay far, far away.

“So, what’s good here?” Abby asked.

“Everything,” Sophie said.

“The special’s kind of famous around here,” Luke said, pointing to the first menu item.

The Vermont Special consisted of pancakes, bacon, toast, and a wedge of cheddar cheese, and a small jug of warm Hayes Maple Syrup.

“That’s a lot of food,” Abby said. “I think I’ll just have a couple of eggs.”

“You have to have the pancakes, Abby,” Sophie said. “They serve Luke’s family’s syrup, and it’s the best there is.”

“The locals are very loyal to our product,” Luke said, pride evident in his voice. “It’s a nice thing. A generous thing.”

“Because it’s the best,” Sophie said. “And everyone knows it.”

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