“I’ve already got my stuff set up in your bedroom, so I’m staying,” her daughter piped up from behind them.
“Wonderful.” She beamed and clapped her hands together. “I’m so happy to have you all here with me. Now, while you three tackle the dishes, I’ll get some sheets to put on the sectional for you boys.”
The next morning, Lela was up early, tiptoeing through the kitchen, trying not to wake her sleeping children while she made breakfast. She checked her phone. No message. It always made her uneasy when she didn’t hear from Nathan. Even a quick “Hi” or “Thinking of you” would’ve assuaged her fears. But she couldn’t begrudge him his time with the boys, especially so close to Christmas. Lela considered messaging him but didn’t want to intrude.
“What smells so good?” Tristan mumbled sleepi
