Page 32 of More Than a Little Spark

Fred flashes Carson a grin.“He’s pretty cool.”

In a flash, the three of them disappear into the house.

Carson holds open the door.“And now you’ve met Fred.”

“I think Bailey might have a bit of a crush on him.”

He laughs.“Bailey loves the name Fred.And she treats him like he’s her Prince Charming.It’s amusing.”

“How cute.”

“I’m not sure Fred always thinks so, but at least he doesn’t treat her like she has cooties anymore.”He touches a hand to my back as I hobble through the doorway.“Careful.Don’t trip on the rug.”

If he wants me to focus on staying upright, he shouldn’t touch me.Because the zing that travels through every nerve ending when he does is distracting.Gloriously distracting.

Chapter13

Carson

Carson

Ihear Fred up and about two hours before sunrise and a half hour before my alarm was set to go off.I stay still with my eyes closed, mustering the energy to get out of bed.Daphne and I texted until late into the night, and lots of coffee will be required to get me through today’s festivities.

Listening, I try to figure out what Fred is doing.It sounds like he’s in the kitchen, but we’ll all have breakfast at the main house.Ava and Goldie always have a feast laid out.One for breakfast and then again for dinner.

The coffee pot starts burbling, and I smile.The kid is making me coffee.I had no idea he even knew how to brew a pot.

I worried that he would pepper me with questions after meeting Daphne, but we must not have raised any suspicions because Fred hasn’t said a word about her.And that’s a good thing.If he asks, I won’t lie to him, but I’m also not ready to tell him I’m dating.It’s too early for that.

Having the responsibility of Fred is keeping me levelheaded.If I were all alone, I’d have flung myself into this relationship headfirst.Which often just ends with a massive headache.

But I’m hopeful.Daphne is amazing.I’m pinching myself that someone as smart, funny, and beautiful as her is interested in me.

When I hear footsteps in the hall, I yank on a shirt and jeans and sit on the edge of the bed, rubbing my face.

After a quick knock, Fred pushes open the door.“Merry Christmas.I made you coffee.”

“Thanks, bud.That’s exactly what I need.”I take the mug and swallow down what should’ve been a first glorious sip.It’s anything but.The kid might’ve completely skipped using water.He somehow liquefied the beans.This stuff will add to the hair on my chest.Which isn’t necessarily a good thing.I have enough of that as it is.

Fred is staring at the mug.“Since it’s Christmas, I wanted to do something nice for you.”

Smiling, I sip a bit more.“I appreciate it.”

“I didn’t know how much to put in, so I filled that whole bowl.Hopefully it wasn’t too much.”His gaze is fixed on my hand, and I shift the mug to read the writing.

World’s Best Dad

Tears sting my eyes, and I bite my lip to keep my chin from quivering.Then I set the mug on the table and open my arms.“The mug is awesome.I love it.”

He hugs me.“Ms.Poppy took me and Mason shopping the other day, and I had money because Ms.Joji pays me when I help her on the goat farm.She’s nice.”

I nod because words aren’t possible at the moment.

Fred steps back.“Mason told me that when he called Mr.Kent Dad for the first time, he cried a little.So I didn’t want to give it to you in front of everyone.You know, in case it made you cry.”

Laughing, I tousle his hair.“I appreciate that.”

He grins, but then his expression grows serious.“I never had a dad before coming to live with you.You’re a good one.I’m glad you wanted me.”

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