Page 63 of Only If You Dare

“Oh, about eight years now.”

“Wow, that’s a long time.”

Lacey smiled showing off a set of braces. “I love being down here, the people are so friendly and it feels good doing something to help out.”

Desiree was shaking her head with a wide smile leading her lips.

“Mr. Rose has been donating every year and most of the time we’re able to see him by live video.” The teenager gushed.

“Is this your first-time meeting Mr. Rose in person?” Desiree asked using a formal address in reference to me. Lacey shook her head lively. Desiree looked from me to Lacey. Appreciation, adoration and something else showed across her face. What was that, love?

I dragged my gaze from Desiree to Lacey. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person, Lacey.” Desiree continued to watch me as I smiled warmly. “Are Donald and Casey here today?”

“Yes! I’ll get them.”

Lacey disappeared through the back. A child no older than four ran across the room straight for Desiree. He threw his arms around her legs and held on tight. Desiree gasped and pulled his arms back bending down to a squat. The little boy smiled up at her and tossed his arms around her neck instead. Desiree laughed delightedly.

“I guess he likes me,” she said.

“Trust me, Bella. It’s easy to do.”

Our eyes connected for another minute before Lacey came back out with Casey and Donald in tow.

“Hey!” They chorused, each pulling me in for a hug. “I knew one day you would bless us with your presence. To what do we owe the honor?” Donald said.

“Aaah, the blessing is all mine,” I prompted. “I happened to be around the way, and I wanted to introduce you to my Arabian queen, Desiree Stevens.” Lacey, Donald, and Casey gasped then squealed with excitement. Desiree’s cheeks flamed, and I grinned.

“You got married?” Lacey squealed.

“No, that’s not what he meant!” Desiree said.

“Oh, come now,” I said. “Marrying me wouldn’t be so bad…” Another electrifying moment passed between us, and it was hard for me to pull my eyes away.

“That’s not what I meant,” Desiree said, “I mean—” she faltered. They all looked from me to her then finally noticed the child still hanging around Desiree’s neck. Lacey giggled while Casey bent down to them.

“Antonio,” Casey cooed. “You have to let go of the nice lady here.” Antonio didn’t budge. Casey glanced to Desiree. “I’m sorry. He’s not usually like this. His parents were in a car accident over the weekend, and they have no family here but their regulars at the kitchen.”

“Do I know them?” I asked.

“I don’t think so, but they’re progressing by the day and we’re looking for them to be discharged within the next week.”

“So who’s looking after him while they’re in the hospital?” Desiree asked.

“One of us is taking turns every day to watch him,” Donald spoke up. “But I think he’s set his sights on you Ms. Stevens, or should I call you Mrs. Rose.”

Again, Desiree’s face flamed.

“Ms. Steven’s would do just fine,” Desiree said.

“For now,” I added.

She peered up at me but spoke to Donald.

“Would it be possible for him to hang out with me until his parents are better?” Desiree pulled back taking her fingers lightly through Antonio’s black silky hair. “Hey Antonio,” she said. The little boy met her eyes. “Would you like it if we hung out together until your parents come home?”

Antonio lit up like a Christmas tree. “Yes!” he yelled. Desiree laughed and stood to her feet.

“Can that be done?” she asked.

---