Page 69 of Eleven of a Kind

“I have an idea if you’re up for it,” I said.

“I’m up for anything.” A bright smile crossed her lips.

“I have some steaks at home that I want to grill. If you bring Riley home when she’s done at the shop, I’ll make you a perfect steak dinner.”

“I love me a good steak. Count me in.” She jumped off the table. “Can I bring anything?”

“Just your beautiful self and my daughter.” I smiled.

“Consider it done, Dr. Kind.” She reached up and brushed her lips against mine. “I’ll see you later.” She opened the door.

“Don’t hurt any of those parking guards,” I said before she walked out.

“I can’t make any promises.” She winked.

I put the baked potatoes in the oven and made a salad when I got home. As I was seasoning the steaks, my phone pinged with a text from Riley.

“We’re on our way home.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

I had just put the steaks on and walked back into the house when the front door opened, and Riley and Piper stepped inside. Instantly, a smile crossed my lips.

“Hey, you two.”

“Hi, Dad.” Riley set her backpack down. “Look at my new pair of jeans.” She took them out of the bag and held them up.

“Nice, Riley.”

“They just came in today, and Piper made me try them on. They looked so good on me that she let me keep them.”

“Not for free.” Piper’s brow arched at me. “She’ll work for those jeans.”

“I hope so.” I chuckled as I went to check on the steaks.

“Is there anything I can do?” Piper asked.

“Can you take the baked potatoes out of the oven?”

“You bet.” She smiled.

I took the steaks off the grill and into the house. As I set the plate on the island, Riley walked over and handed me something wrapped in heavy paper.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Open it and find out.”

Underneath the wrapping was a beautiful coffee mug in a deep blue color with brown shading.

“Is this what you made in art class?” I smiled.

“Yeah. I made it for you. It holds up to fourteen ounces and is microwave and dishwasher safe.”

“Wow, Riley. This is really beautiful. Thank you, sweetheart.” I hugged her.

“You’re welcome. I’m going to change my clothes. I’ll be right back.”

“Hurry up. Dinner is ready,” I shouted as she ran up the stairs.

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