Page 94 of When There Was You
“Yeah, honey,” Butch answers. “Jacqui has a long drive.”
Emmy’s brow furrows. “Why don’t you just spend the night? We can have a slumber party!”
Butch chokes and I smile gently, squatting down to her level. “Wish I could. Rain check?”
She tilts her head. “It’s not raining.”
The adults chuckle and I grin. “It’s just an expression. It means can we do it another time?”
She smiles, nodding enthusiastically.
“Looks like I’m coming back for cookie day,” I add.
“Good. We can have our slumber party then. Don’t forget Lucky,” she says.
Oh boy. Did I just stick my foot into a puddle of rubber cement? Butch might have to smooth this over. “Will do. See you later, Emmy.”
“Bye!” She runs off again.
“Can I bring anything Saturday?” I ask Jerri.
“Not unless you have a recipe you enjoy making this time of year. Otherwise, we’ve got everything covered.”
Before I can say another word, she offers up a warm hug, followed by Gus. I’m so unaccustomed to free-flowing familial affection, it startles and soothes me simultaneously.
Butch holds my care package in one hand, and his other finds the small of my back. “I’ll walk you out.”
We intersect his sister and her family on the way and say our goodbyes.
“Heard you’re joining us for cookie day andhaving a sleepover,” Liz says, eyebrows raised and expression full of mischief.
News travels fast. “I am. See you then?”
“I’ll be here, sis.”
I laugh. “Troublemaker.”
She winks and I experience a tug of longing to become friends.
Butch escorts me to my car, waiting while I stow the leftovers I’m seriously stoked to have. “Are you good with allthat? Coming back for cookies and…a slumber party?” The look on his face is so genuinely hopeful, it pulls at my heart like he’s lassoed it.
“I am if you are. What about Emmy? I know you’re easing her into us.”
“She seems immune to my easing. She’s taken to bulldozing. As long as she’s comfortable—and clearly that little firecracker is taking the lead—I’m fine. But make no mistake,” he says, pressing me against the car. “You’re sleeping in my bed.”
“Is that a threat, Mr. Domineering?”
“It’s a promise, sweetheart.” He lets one of his charming, wicked smiles loose and my insides liquify.
“Savage,” I tease.
“You have no idea. You’ve awakened a monster.”
“Mmm,” I muse. “Yes, please.”
He chuckles low. “Look at you, baiting the monster.”
“I know what he likes to eat,” I taunt, recalling just how voraciously he ate a few hours ago…right up against his front door.Whew.
