Page 35 of He Saved My Boy
My jaw drops to the floor when I find a brand-new e-reader inside.
One I clearly didn’t order. I had mentioned the other night I needed a new one because mine is out of storage and doesn’t keep a charge. I’d been irritated because my favorite romantic suspense author, Brittney Sahin, had just dropped another book, and I couldn’t read it on release day because I had to charge my device.
This feels too good to be true.
“What is it, Mommy?”
Holding it up in disbelief, I just stare at this thoughtful gift. This has been on my list of things to buy, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. “I… uh… got a new e-reader.”
As I stare at the new top-notch device, my chest tightens. It’s been years since someone besides my mom has done anything this thoughtful—let alone surprise me.
When Connor laughs, my attention is suddenly on him.
“What’s so funny?”
Pointing to the box, he giggles some more. “That is.”
How the hell had I missed that?
If I wasn’t certain who the gift was from before, there’s no doubt now. There, right under the packaging Connor had removed, is a cover for the kindle—with a giant rooster face staring back at me. He’d obviously custom picked the design because the image is the exact replica of the one we stood in front of just a few weeks ago.
“Buk, Buk, Buuuuk,” Connor innocently clucks, and I lose all sense of myself, right then and there.
I laugh so hard tears stream down my face, and I have to hold on to the counter while crossing my legs, so I don’t wet myself from my sudden coughing fit. Gasping for air, I can only laugh harder when Connor clucks like a chicken again.
He did not just do that.
Oh, but he has—and holy hell, I think I might die.
And the stinker does it again because he loves my reaction—which only makes me laugh harder. Gasping for air, I do my best to stand upright, while keeping my legs crossed.
When I finally get my wits about me, I grab my phone and record Connor clucking like a chicken and doing a chicken walk with his cast and good arm, all while stretching his neck to his new rhythmic beat. As soon as I get enough to prove my point, I flip my camera to me and add through fits of laughter, “Oh my God… best gift… ever.” Taking a deep breath to control my speaking, I shake my head. “But I entirely blame you for creating this.” Then point the video back to Connor before cutting it off and pressing send before I can think better of it.
I’m sure Davis is working for another hour or so, and I don’t expect to hear from him. So, after calming down, I take care of some things in the kitchen, while Connor takes off down the hall to his bedroom for something.
I’m surprised when a text notification arrives.
Davis: Mission accomplished! Glad you liked it.
Another chime.
Davis: His reaction is priceless. I can’t wait to hear about it in further detail tonight when we talk.
Me: Oh, it was. We’re going for a walk in a bit before dinner.
Davis: I love texting and phone calls, but do you think we could video chat tonight? I’ve really missed that gorgeous face of yours.
Me: You’re not so bad yourself. It’s a date.
Me: Not a date—for a few more weeks—but you know what I mean. (winky emoji)
Davis: I’m looking forward to tonight. I’ll be home around seven, so call once Connor is down for the count.
Me: Will do.
With a little bounce in my step, I head to Connor’s room. If we’re getting a walk in, we’d better do it sooner than later.
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