Page 127 of Lavender Lake
Jane touched his cheek. “It’s your delayed welcome home party.”
Dad turned his head and kissed her palm. “Still doesn’t explain a candle.”
It was so natural and sweet, and it stupidly brought tears to my eyes. I wasn’t sure if it was the hormones or the fact that I’d opened the floodgates so my emotions were constantly at the surface now.
“If you don’t want the cupcake, I’ll take it,” Declan quipped.
“Get your own.” Dad blew out his candle. He went to grab it, but his arm dropped suddenly.
Exhaustion appeared to be kicking in, but no one said anything. Jane picked up the cupcake and peeled the wrapper from it and held it up to him.
“I’m fine, thanks. Actually, I’m a little tired.” Dad struggled to stand, but he did so without any assistance. “Dinner was great, Mom.”
“I didn’t cook,” Muddy said. “Hadley and Salem did.”
“Which means the boys get to do the dishes,” Hadley said to Declan.
“On it,” he said, rising.
Cas was sitting next to me, but not too close. He rose, and then the guys began clearing dishes from the table while my dad headed for the stairs. Jane followed behind him, clearly ready to lend a hand if needed.
Dad wouldn’t ask, though.
Muddy got up and put the untouched cupcake on a plate. “I’ll run this up to him in a bit. I know he wants it. It’s his favorite.”
“Red velvet with cream cheese frosting.” Hadley made a face. “Ew. Give me one of the chocolate ones.”
“Better do it,” I warned. “She’s looking a little piqued.”
“Then I’d better take two chocolate cupcakes.” Hadley grinned. “Wouldn’t want to go feral on anyone.”
“Feral Hadley? Yeah, right,” I teased.
“Am I allowed to say anything?” Declan asked.
“No,” Hadley and I said at the same time, and then both dissolved into giggles.
Muddy took the cupcake upstairs to Dad as the boys finished cleaning the kitchen. After the dishwasher was loaded and running, Declan asked, “Fire circle?”
Hadley shook her head. “I’m beat. Can we go home?”
“Sure, bear snack. Whatever you want.” Declan leaned over and kissed her forehead.
“That’s both the cutest and grossest nickname I’ve ever heard,” I said.
“Agreed,” Cas said.
“How are you doing, Bowman? The full house must be driving you crazy,” Hadley said as she moved toward the front door. The rest of us followed.
“It’s fine,” Cas said. “But Salem’s a bathroom hog.”
“I am not,” I muttered.
“You are,” Hadley said with a grin.
Cas and I stood on the front porch and I waved to Hadley and Declan as they headed to the cabin.
“Alone at last,” I said, turning to Cas.
