Page 76 of Quintessentially

Tears are in Kandace’s eyes as she looks up at me.

“What happened?”

“Nothing bad.” She shakes her head. “Chloe took Molly to her and Mick’s place. She’s eating pancakes and watchingFrozen 2.”

Kandace types out a message.

We sit as the rain falls until her phone pings.

The anticipation is killing me. “Should we go get Molly?”

“Chloe said that if I don’t nap first, she will keep Molly indefinitely.”

“Our daughter’s been kidnapped?”

Kandace smirks. “It appears to be the case.” She reaches for the doorhandle. “Thank you, Dax, for coming here. It means a lot.”

I lay my hand on her arm to stop her from leaving. “I haven’t slept, Kandace, and I’m ready to crash. I’d like to rest with you. No pressure for anything else. May I just hold you?”

“Justin is playing nice, but I don’t think we want him to wake up and knock on my door.”

“Then come with me to town. My house is closer to Chloe and Mick’s.”

She grins. “Your house. I like that.” Her hand is still on the handle. “Let me get the things for Mom first.”

“I’ll come with you.”

We run through the downpour to the covered porch. In only a short run we’re both wet. Despite all that is happening, Kandace is smiling at her wet hair. I reach for her chin and lift it as we stand outside the screen door. “You’re irresistible.”

“I’m wet and tired.”

“And totally irresistible.”

“Come on in. This will only take a few minutes.”

Inside the house, Kandace hurries upstairs. Walking around the living room and dining room, I look at the framed pictures all about. They’re on the walls and littering tabletops and bookshelves. It reminds me of Grandma Ruth’s house. My parents kept a few photos on the mantel, but that was it. The Sheerses have pictures of Justin and Kandace from infancy up as well as of Molly.

I’m holding a picture of Molly that I haven’t seen before when Justin comes down the stairs. His hair is wet and he’s wearing blue jeans and carrying a shirt. When he sees me, his gaze narrows.

“Why are you still here?”

“We thought you’d be asleep.”

“I slept on the drive home. Farming doesn’t stop. Things to do.” He pulls the shirt over his head as Kandace comes down the stairs with an overnight bag. “What the fuck?” Justin asks.

She lifts it and grins. “It’s for Mom.”

He shakes his head. “Sorry. It’s been a long night. Where’s Molly?”

“Chloe took her to her house. They’re eating pancakes.”

“After I get the essential shit done,” he says, “I’ll nap. I can take a later shift if you don’t get a chance to sleep.”

“I’m helping,” I say, “with Kandace and Molly.”

Justin looks me up and down and grunts before heading toward the kitchen.

“Get some sleep when you can,” Kandace tells him as she and I walk out onto the porch.

---