“You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“I really am.”
I shook my head, trying to fight a smile. “You’re too smart, kid.”
“I know.”
I pulled her into my lap and kissed her head. “I love you.”
She squirmed out of my grasp and started for the stairs. “Let me know when I can meet your future wife.”
I groaned. This kid was gonna be the death of me.
I paced the kitchen, phone pressed to my ear as I waited for Grace to answer. When she did, her voice was gentle and soft, reminding me of the night prior in my office.
“Hey, hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“You’re good. Just sorting through some clothes I’ll never wear again. I’m trying to buy more practical things going forward.” She laughed. Grace and practicality didn’t go hand in hand.
“So listen,” I started, cupping the back of my neck, suddenly feeling awkward. “Noelle and I had a pretty interesting conversation last night.”
“Oh?” she asked curiously, amusement lacing her tone. “Should I be worried?”
I chuckled. “No—well, I hope not. She, uh, seems to think I have a girlfriend. The gossip clan got to her.”
She snorted. “Girlfriend, huh?”
I rubbed the back of my neck, studying my kitchen sink. “Yeah, her words. Not mine.”
“I love her confidence,” Grace teased. “Is that how you get the girl? Using your daughter?”
“Maybe she’s onto something.” I pretended to ponder. “Oh, maybe I should google it. Seriously though, I know we’ve been dancing around this. And I know you’ve got your reasons to take things slow. But all that said, will you be my girl?”
She was quiet for a moment before speaking. “Yes, Caleb. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
“Good,” I said, smiling into the phone. My tone softened. “Noelle and I go out for pizza every Tuesday. Would you like to join us?”
Grace exhaled softly, her voice tender when she spoke. “I’d really like that.”
Tension I’d been holding finally softened. “Guess it’s official.”
“How can I say no when pizza’s involved?”
I laughed, leaning against my counter with relief. “Facts.”
CHAPTER 18
Grace
The crisp fallair cut through my coat as I walked down the block. The faint scent of wood smoke and fresh dough drifted out of the door as I approached, and for a brief moment, I hesitated. It wasn’t nerves. It was the unfamiliarity of it all—a pizza night with Caleb and Noelle.
When I walked in, I immediately saw Caleb sitting in a booth in the back, casually leaning against the seat, his easy smile lighting up the space around him. I took the opportunity to give Noelle a once-over before he noticed me. I’d seen her around town with Ms. Kenzie and Jena but had never really had a full interaction with her. She was a very beautiful, young girl. Her eyes were aquamarine blue like Caleb’s, and certain facial features were identical to her father’s, but her hair was a light shade of brown, almost blonde.
Noelle sat across from him, her small legs swinging over the edge of the booth. Her eyes scanned the room until they found mine. They were laser-focused, skeptical, but there was an amusement behind them as well.
“You came!” she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
“I did,” I said, my heart racing a little. “I wouldn’t miss pizza night.”
