Page 70 of More Than a Little Spark

He flashes a smile.“One day, when I get a girlfriend, I’ll open the door for her.Like Dad does for you.”

“Anyone particular in mind?”

“Not right now.Mason says that when you meet someone, you’ll just know.And that’s what happened with you and Dad, so I guess I just haven’t met her yet.”

“Well, you’re fourteen, so you have lots of time.”

“Yeah.”He points toward the bookstore as he climbs out.“Let’s start there.I want to get a book and some chocolate for Dad’s stocking.”

We shop for hours.And by dinnertime, our arms are loaded down with bags.

“Let’s put all this into the trunk, then find a restaurant.”I’m carrying far fewer bags than he is.At his insistence.

“Cool.”He strides along beside me.

We’re about the same height right now, but it won’t be long before he’ll be looking down at me.He’s grown up so much in the last year, and most of the time, there isn’t much of the moody teen left.I’m sure it’s not gone for good.But the reprieve has been most pleasant.

While we load bags into the trunk, he clears his throat.“My school is doing a breakfast thing called Muffins with Mom, and I know you aren’t my mom, but you could…” The question dangles, and after a few moments of staring at the bags, he looks at me.“If you wanted.”

“Text me the day and time, and I’ll be there.I’d be honored to go to Muffins with Moms with you.”

“Poppy will be there, but she’s Mason’s mom, and I could ask some of the other ladies on the ranch.They’d totally show up if I asked, but I’d really like it if you came.I know you work, and if you can’t, I understand.”

“I can go in late one day.I’ll just let my boss know that I have something important to do.”I flash a smile and will myself not to cry.“Let’s go eat.I’m starved.How does a steak sound?”

“Amazing.”He drops into his seat.

I’ll be riding this high for weeks.All the people who said that Fred just needed time were correct.And I love this young man.I’m not going to say that out loud right now because I’m not sure how he’ll react, but I’ll know when the time is right.

The smellof freshly brewed coffee wafts down the hall, and I make my way to the kitchen.I’m extra thankful I stayed in Carson’s guest room last night.

Carson gives me a quick kiss before handing me a mug.“Merry Christmas.You ready for presents?Fred is.And I think he’s as excited about giving you your gift as he is about opening his.”

I lean in and give Carson another kiss, one that can’t be labeled a peck.“This is my present.The holiday has been perfect.I celebrated with my mom and siblings yesterday.And I’m with y’all today.”

He slides an arm around my waist and tugs me closer.“And in a bit, we’ll go to the main house for more gifts and a Christmas breakfast.It’s a million times better than how I grew up, and something I never dreamed would be my life.”

Fred clears his throat.“Um, I’m ready.Can y’all do that mushy stuff while we open gifts?”

I laugh at the feigned exasperation in Fred’s expression, then hug him.“Merry Christmas.Let’s go open presents.”

“Can I have a cup of coffee, Dad?”

“Not yet.When you’re taller than me, I’ll let you have coffee.”

At the rate Fred is growing, that might be a few weeks.That’s an exaggeration, but I think he’s grown an inch since he and I were out shopping just weeks ago.

The three of us sit on the floor around the tree.

Then Fred leans forward and grabs a package.“Daphne, you need to open yours first.”He sets the rather large box in front of me.

“No, you go ahead—” The box meows, and I look from Carson to Fred.

Both are wearing pleased-as-pie grins.

I tear away the paper and open the box.Inside is a fluffy black and white kitten.I’m overjoyed and sad, all at once.

As I lift her out of the box, Fred shifts the cardboard and paper out of the way.“She needs a name.I kind of like Oreo, but she’s your cat.And before you say anything about the apartment not allowing pets, I thought of that.”He hands me a card.

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