Page 33 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

“Yeah,” he said, leaning against the doorjamb. “Mom kept most of it the same. The drawers in the dresser are empty so feel free to put anything you want inside of them. The room across the hall has a twin bed and enough space to set up the portable crib for Avery. But I’m sure y’all will fit in here if you want them close. The bathroom is right next door.”

“What about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Where will you sleep? I mean, you’re staying, right?” She dropped her voice to whisper, as if afraid to speak the question out loud.

“Yeah, I’m staying. I’ll crash on the couch.” Knowing she was sleeping in his old bed would steal any sleep he might get. Might as well stand guard in the living room while everyone else rested.

“You should sleep now. You look exhausted.”

He hated to admit it, but he was. He hadn’t slept at all the night before, and he was badly in need of a shower. He winced. He’d moved Clara and the kids out of the shelter quick and hadn’t taken time to stop by his place for his things.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, taking a step toward him.

In the small room, her presence nearly overwhelmed him. Heat built at his core, and he’d give anything to draw her closer and drown in her essence. But he stood tall, arms crossed over his chest, eyes fixed on her. “I forgot to stop by my place. I don’t have any clothes here.”

“Oh,” she said, her mouth forming the cutest little o. “You should go. Grab what you need. There’s a house full of fierce women to keep me safe. I’ll be fine. Besides, I have a feeling your mom could do some real damage with that cane.”

“You don’t know the half of it. But you sure you’ll be okay?”

She took another step closer and smoothed a palm over his chest. “You promise you’re coming back?”

He enclosed a hand over hers, dipping his chin to bring his face so close to hers it wouldn’t take much to kiss her. “Always.”

13

Clara’s emotions threatened to burst from every pore as she watched her children help place decorations on the Christmas tree. They practically vibrated with excitement, which made her wince every time Avery chose a breakable ornament to hang on a branch.

Mila handed her a mug. “I didn’t know if you wanted anything in your tea. I can grab milk or sugar if you’d like.”

“This is perfect. Thank you.” She accepted the offering and cradled her palms around the warm porcelain.

“Good answer,” Sally said, cackling from across the room. “Mila here’s a perfectionist. She’ll keep on hounding you if things aren’t just right.”

Grinning, Mila rolled her eyes. “We both know that’s not true, and if it were, I’d be cringing at how bottom heavy this tree is. But instead, I think it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Clara kept her eyes on the kids over the rim of her mug as she took a sip of the honey-flavored tea. With the oldest decorator seven, just a handful of branches in the middle of the tree boasted colorful bulbs or candy canes. Only lights blinked above that, while a dozen ornaments weighed down the bottom of the tree.

And the giggling kids circling the tree couldn’t be prouder.

“Sally, I need to get to my next client,” Mila said. “Lunch is ready in the kitchen. I can get the kids settled for you. Maybe put a movie on in the den while they eat. Are you sure Jimmy is welcome to stay?”

“Are you going to tell him he has to leave?” Sally flicked a wrist toward the gaggle of kids.

Mila wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want to.”

Clara laughed. “He’s a big help with my littles. Besides, I know Elsie is dying to check up on us. If she has to pick him up later, it gives her a good excuse.”

“Fair point.” Mila clapped her hands twice, gaining the kids’ attention. “All right kiddos. Grilled cheese and yogurt’s ready for lunch. Who wants to watch The Grinch while you eat?”

“I do!” they all yelled in unison.

Mila ushered them into the kitchen, and a comfortable silence settled over the cozy living room.

Clara took another sip and studied the space. Cream walls were decorated with colorful pops of art and framed photos. Bright blankets draped over the couch and recliner made her want to curl up with a good book.

Or with a handsome deputy.

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