Page 80 of Fatal Strike
She shook his hand. “Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re so tall.”
“I think my height is the only reason Terri ever went out with me.”
The stairway rumbled with the sound of footsteps, and two wide-eyed boys grinned. They introduced themselves as Caleb and Asher. “You’re Mom’s friend, right?” Caleb, the taller one, said. “You fight bad guys too.”
Their candor put Leah right at ease. “I am. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Mom’s got a big breakfast made.” Caleb pointed down the hall. “My brother’s kinda shy, but I’m not.”
Leah bent to Asher, who looked to be about five years old. “I brought some dessert treats. Do you like muffins?”
He turned his head to look at Terri. “Mom and Dad say I have a sweet tooth.”
“I do too. After breakfast would you and Caleb help me bring in a wedding gift for your mom and dad?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the boys echoed.
“Wonderful. There might be something for each of you.”
Leah straightened as the boys dashed off to the kitchen. “Your family is beautiful,” she said to Terri and Chris, and for a moment she feared her eyes would drip again.
“And complete.” Chris wrapped his arm around Terri’s waist. “Food’s about ready. Let’s eat.”
After breakfast, and the delivery of a mammoth basketfilled with sheets, pillowcases, towels, and scented soaps for the newlyweds, and a Marvel action figure for each of the boys, Leah toured their home.
“Your bedroom is so clean,” Leah said to the boys, eyeing their bunk beds.
“We cleaned it for you,” Caleb said. “But don’t look under the bed or in the closet.”
Leah held up a hand as if swearing a solemn oath. “I won’t.” She wished she hadn’t made a fishing date with Jon. The boys seemed to have unlocked a padlock on her heart. Good memories gushed in about her siblings. “Hey, guys. Can I have a few minutes with your mom? Then we could play a quick game of basketball before I have to leave.”
“Dad says we’re the best he’s ever seen,” Caleb said.
“Maybe so, but I was pretty good in high school.”
They bounded off, leaving her with the best friend she’d ever known. They walked back to the kitchen, where Chris was loading the dishwasher. “Outside, you two. This is my job.”
On the rear patio, with the hum and gentle breeze of an overhead fan, Leah and Terri sank into cushioned chairs.
“I see why you’re so very happy,” Leah said. “Chris and the boys are amazing. You simply beam.”
“Thank you. I never realized how good you are with kids.”
Leah allowed another sweet memory with her siblings to warm her. “I enjoy their minds and uninhibited creativity.”
“We’ve had a great new beginning this morning, haven’t we?”
“Perfect in my book. But once I let the boys beat me in basketball, I need to get going. I promised Jon I’d let him show me how to fish.”
Terri’s blue eyes sparkled. “In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you get so serious about a guy.”
“Jon’s a good guy. A friend. And we’re working together.” Leah paused to figure out what else she could say to emphasize the professional relationship. “We’ll most likely talk about the case.”
Terri waved away the comment. “Of course. What else is there?” She grinned mischievously. “But, Leah, Jon Colbert is super cute. I can see you two together.”
“We’ve only known each other since Tuesday.”
“Maybe so, but something’s put a spark in your eyes.”
