Page 19 of Salvation

My heart bursts. She looks up and sees me watching her and waves. I wave back and she stands. I try to tell her to stop and finish, but the door opens, and she pokes her head out. Michele peeks around her legs at me. “Did you need something, Miss Hope?” she asks.

Shaking my head, I smile as Michele wiggles his fingers at me. I wiggle mine back and crouch down, tapping his nose with the tip of my finger. He grins, showing his toothy smile and my heart feels full. “Nah. I was just wondering where you were. I got worried for a minute. I called out for you and realized you weren’t up front.”

Her brow crinkles and she says, “I told you I was walking back here for a bit. Don’t you remember?”

Shaking my head, I laugh. “No, but I was knee deep in the mess in the office, so I probably just didn’t hear you. No worries. Enjoy the rest of your lunch.”

She chuckles and scoops Michele up. Grabbing the sides of her face, he presses a wet toddler kiss against her mouth. She laughs. “Thanks, buddy.” Looking over the top of his head, she asks one more thing, “What were you looking for me for?”

I remember. “Oh, the blankets. The ones delivered yesterday that were in my office by the door. Do you know where they are?”

She laughs. “Yeah, they’re in the bunk room and the closets. I distributed them last night.”

Laughing, I reach out and ruffle Michele’s hair. His curls are so soft against my hand. He laughs. “Of course, you did. I swear, my brain is so scattered.” Turning, I walk a couple of steps backwards and say, “Go finish your lunch. Just check in with me when you come back up front, okay? I have a couple of packing slips that need to be filed and some letters that need to be addressed and mailed.”

Then humming, I go back to the kitchen to grab my lunch before returning to my office…

I still need to call Luke…

Time to put on my big girl panties.

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