I set the bags down, opened the screen door, and punched in the numbers to unlock the door.
“The code is zero, one, one, three.”
“That’s Jake’s birthday!”
Instead of opening the door, I slowly turned around to gape at her dumbfounded.
“That’s Bodhi’s birthday, too.”
****
Gretchen
I wasn’t sure what to say, so I opted for, “Oh.”
Did Jake sharing a birthday with his deceased son bother him?
He softly remarked, “That’s quite a coincidence, huh?”
I proceeded with caution.
“Yeah, it is. Does that upset you?”
Gabe shook his head and looked at Jake, still in his arms, with a warm smile.
“No. I think it’s kind of cool.”
He opened the door, then turned back and brought the bags inside, asking Jake as they walked through the threshold, “What should we have for dinner?”
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Gabe
The familiar conflicted feelings had stirred in my gut when Jake had “helped” me clean up while Gretchen packed. It had been just the two of us, and I’d worried maybe he’d be shy without his mom around.
Turns out, he’d been just the opposite.
He was bold and eager, a lot like Bodhi had been. And adorably funny. I’d enjoyed hanging out with him these last few days, and part of me felt guilty about it. Like I was somehow cheating on my son by liking being around another little boy.
Finding out Bodhi and Jake shared a birthday seemed like a sign. But for what exactly, I wasn’t sure.
Chapter Sixty
Gretchen
“Did you guys decide what you wanted for dinner?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen after changing into a pair of pink yoga pants and an oversized pink, orange, and teal t-shirt. Gabe had insisted on bringing Jake’s racecar suitcase to the guest room, and my pink floral one to his room.
The pantry door was open, and Gabe and Jake were inside perusing the contents.
“Jake wanted fish sticks, but I don’t think I have any of those so he’s considering spaghetti and mashed potatoes.”
I nodded my head like that was a completely normal combination, then suggested, “Or, we could have chicken and mashed potatoes. Or spaghetti and meatballs.”
Gabe countered with, “Orwe could have lasagna?”
I still wasn’t willing to chance it.
“It’d take too long. That’s more of a weekend meal.”
