Page 54 of Redeeming Melodies

Elliot's surprise was obvious. "You really thought of everything."

"Just want you both comfortable here." The words came out more honest than intended.

A moment of quiet settled between us, broken only by the sizzle of pancakes and the gentle drip of coffee. Elliot moved around my kitchen like he'd always been there, grabbing plates and silverware without having to ask where anything was. We fell into an easy rhythm - me flipping pancakes while he set the table, our movements synchronized like we'd done this a hundred times before.

"Need help with anything?" Footsteps behind me, then Elliot was reaching past me for the syrup. His arm brushed mine, sending sparks up my skin.

"I'm good." My voice came out rougher than intended. "Though Tommy' might want something-“

"Shit, right." Elliot's grin was sheepish. "Kid's got his routines. Chocolate protein shake with breakfast or the world ends."

"Let me guess - your nutritionist's idea?"

"Racing diet stuff." He shrugged, pulling ingredients from the fridge. "Only thing he kept from those days. That and the hat collection."

Watching him measure protein powder with practiced care, knowing exactly how his son liked it, made something warm unfurl in my chest. This was the side of Elliot Blue the cameras never caught - the devoted dad who remembered tiny details, who adapted his world to make his kid feel secure.

"Dad?" Tommy's sleep-heavy voice drifted in. "Is that chocolate I smell?"

"Morning, champ." Elliot's whole face softened as Tommy shuffled in, still wrapped in the blanket from his bed. "Jake made us breakfast."

Tommy brightened immediately. "Sheriff Jake can cook?"

"Apparently he's full of surprises." Elliot's eyes met mine over Tommy's head, something warm in them that made my pulse jump.

"Come here, buddy." I gestured to the griddle. "Want to help flip these?"

Tommy practically bounced over, blanket trailing behind him like a cape. His excitement over something as simple as making pancakes hit me right in the chest. When was the last time anyone had let him just be a kid?

"Like this?" He gripped the spatula with intense concentration.

"Perfect." I steadied his hand, showing him how to wait for the bubbles. "You're a natural."

His beam of pride could have powered the whole damn town. Elliot watched us from the counter, something soft in his expression that I couldn't let myself think about too hard.

We settled into breakfast, Tommy demolishing chocolate chip pancakes while telling us about his dreams - something involving race cars and space ships that had Elliot choking back laughter. The morning sun painted stripes across my kitchen table, catching the gold in Tommy's hair, the green in Elliot's eyes.

"So," Elliot said once Tommy had inhaled his third pancake. "Thought we'd check out the Miller place today, see what needs fixing."

Right.

"Good plan." I kept my voice neutral, gathering empty plates. "Though if you're looking for something to do after, there's these falls up past the old mill. Pretty spectacular this time of year."

"Can we go?" Tommy perked up immediately. "Please, Dad?"

"Sure, buddy." Elliot's smile was gentle. "Though we might need directions."

“Caleb knows the way." The words tasted bitter, but duty was duty. “He usually takes Sundays off, probably wouldn't mind showing you around."

"You're not coming?" Tommy's disappointment hit like a sucker punch.

"Can't today, bud." I hated the way his face fell. "Sheriff stuff, you know?"

"Right," Elliot nodded, understanding crossing his features. "Guess we forget sometimes that you've got an actual job to do."

"Unfortunately, crime doesn't take weekends off." I tried for a light tone, but something must have shown in my face because Elliot's expression softened.

"Maybe another time?" he offered, and fuck if that didn't make my heart skip.

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