Page 54 of Raspberry Cake
“You’ll be finished with it in no time.”
They sat up for a while, working on their projects with a reality show playing softly in the background. She’d encouraged Laira and Tod to stay out the whole night and Tod happily agreed. They checked in periodically, but were otherwise quiet after Eveline assured them everything was fine.
When she could barely keep her eyes open Renley insisted on carrying her to bed. They snuggled and even though she was exhausted she didn’t want to fall asleep right away.
“Thank you for today.”
“It was an absolute pleasure.”
“You made me feel all kinds of special.”
He lifted her chin with a finger and tenderly smiled at her, the dim light reflecting off his sparkling eyes. “I never want you to feel left out. If there is something I can do for you, I will.”
“You make it seem so natural. So normal.”
“It is, kitten. I know I can be pushy and please know that I never do it to make you uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t haveto miss out on things. I wouldn’t have enjoyed today if you’d been watching from the sidelines.”
“I feel good and safe with you pushing me that far.”
“Oh, sweet kitten, don’t make me blush now.”
She wiggled closer to him, sliding into soft dreams the moment she closed her eyes.
Renley
A hesitant knock had him prying his eyes open, finding Drew spying into their room. Reaching for his phone, he saw it was barely past seven.
“Can I come in?” Drew asked hesitantly.
Renley nodded, suppressing a yawn and patting the mattress beside Eveline. “I’m sure your auntie would love some morning cuddles.”
Eveline hummed and twisted to pull Drew into her arms. “Come here, sweet pea.”
“I slept in my bed all night.”
“Such a good boy,” Eveline softly praised, pulling the blanket over him. “Is Mathew up?”
“Yes.”
“Raiding the pantry probably,” she laughed, only for the door to open wider. Mathew entered, pushing her wheelchair in.
Shit.Renley had meant to get that last night.
The boy pulled the brakes and asked, “Can I have cereal.”
“Of course, sweetheart, do you need help?”
He shook his head and left the room again. Renley closed his eyes and let his head fall back into the pillow, softly laying his hand on Eveline’s side. They dozed alongside each other for a while, before Drew began to complain that he was hungry too.
Eveline sat up but when Renley moved to do the same, she shoved him back down to the mattress with a hand on his chest. “You, mister, can relax for a little.”
He groaned, whining. “I’m hungry too.”
“Fine, but you’re not cooking. These two get cereal—maybe some fruit if they’re lucky.”
Once breakfast had been devoured, the boys tended to the chickens and ran around outside while he and Eveline watched over them with their morning coffee.
“I’m nervous to meet your dad tonight,” he admitted.
