Page 43 of Finding Home

My parents and I share a look. Clearly, we’re all equally touched by Caleb’s request.

“Of course, you can stay,” Mom says softly. “Our home is yours, Caleb.”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Capshaw.”

“Barbara. You’re part of the family now.”

Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobs. “Thank you,Barbara.”

With a little wink at Caleb, Mom turns her attention to Raine in her lap. “Guess what, Pooh Bear? Coobie is going to stay the night, so he’s here if you have a nightmare. Isn’t that sweet of him?”

Raine nods her head, but it’s clear she’s not listening.

“Hey, Rainey,” Dad interjects softly. “How about Coobie reads your bedtime story tonight, instead of me?”

“No. No Coobie,” Raine says sleepily. “Pop-Pop.”

“I’ll read to you tomorrow night,” Dad says.

I glance at Caleb. He’s looking at Raine like he wants to fall to his knees and beg her to love him. Accept him.Forgivehim. But when he speaks, it’s in a calm, patient tone. One that doesn’t hint at the internal turmoil he’s surely feeling.

“Pop-Pop can read to you tonight,” he says. “I’ll read to you another time, maybe. Whenever you’re ready.”

I exchange another look with my mother, this one conceding I’m impressed, before Mom shifts her gaze to Caleb and flashes him a sympathetic smile. “I’ll fetch you some pillows and blankets, honey. The couch is kind of lumpy. But at least, it’s better than the floor.”

Chapter 16

Aubrey

Iwake up in my childhood twin bed with a big yawn and pat the bed next to me for Raine. She’s not there. After a trip to the bathroom, I pad down the hallway on my way to the living room, waving to Mom on her stationary bike as I go.

In the living room, the couch is empty, other than a neatly folded blanket and pillow stacked to one side of it. No Caleb.

A cute giggle reaches me from the next room, the kitchen. So, that’s where I go next.

When I arrive in the doorway, my father, Caleb, and Raine—the little one standing on a chair next to towering Caleb—are in the midst of whipping up breakfast with enthusiasm. While Caleb supervises Raine, who’s mixing something in a bowl at the counter, Dad stands at the stove on one crutch, manning the griddle. All three backs are facing me, so I lean my shoulder against the door jam and take in the heartwarming scene.

“I had no idea you could mash up bananas to put into the batter,” Caleb says to Dad.

“It’s so much better than slicing bananas and putting them on top,” Dad replies. “Rainey loves it this way.”

“Iluhit,” Raine confirms.

“AndIloveyou,” Dad retorts.

I grin. That’s a classic Dad-ism. Any time I’ve ever said I love anything in this world, big or small, he always shoots back, “And I love you.” It’s lovely to watch my father getting to pour his love into another little girl. Also, to know Caleb is watching him, and, hopefully, learning the tricks of the trade from the best.

“Banana pancakes are actually Rainey’s second favorite,” Dad explains to Caleb. To Raine, he says, “Tell Coobie your favorite kind of pancakes, Rainey.”

“Chocky chip!” she answers proudly, still stirring whatever’s in her plastic bowl.

“Make a note of it, Coobie,” Dad says. “One day soon, you’ll be in charge of the pancake-making.”

“Got it,” Caleb says. “We’ll make sure to buy plenty of chocolate chips, the next time we go to the store.”

I smile again.We.It was a small word, and perhaps it meant nothing. But Caleb’s use of it makes me think he’s surrendered to the reality that, at least for the next three weeks, wherever he roams, he’ll always be a “we.”

“Yummmm,” Raine purrs.

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