“How was school?”
All it takes is a question. Jason straightens and his face lights up in a smile. “I went up a reading level.”
Caleb’s smile reaches his eyes. “Do you like reading?”
Jason nods enthusiastically. “And now I have SO many books. Mum’s bought me heaps. Do you want to see them? I’ve got a bookcase in my room.”
Caleb chuckles. “I’d love to, but maybe in a little while? I need to spend a little time with all of you.”
I meet Noah’s eyes. He swallows hard, and I don’t have to be a mind reader to know he’s thinking about what he never had with Caleb. There are times when I wish I could turn back the clock, but I’m not sure what I could have done differently.
The girls fire questions at Caleb at a million miles a minute. What does he do for a job? That one makes me laugh because they know he’s done the work around the house. Where does he live? How many siblings does he have?
Caleb handles it all with grace and good humour.
“You look like Noah,” Kiera says.
“I think it’s more that Noah looks like me. Handsome devil that he is.”
That gets a giggle from both girls.
Noah’s lips curl into a smile.
“I’m so happy to meet all of you. I’ve heard a lot about you from your mum.”
“What did she tell you?” Bailey asks.
He laughs. “Nothing bad. She loves you all very much.”
“Are we going to your sister’s for a barbecue? Mum said she has a pool.”
He meets my gaze. “That’s the plan. And you’re more than welcome to bring your togs.”
“Can you see my room now?” Jason asks.
Caleb grins. “Sure thing, bud. Why don’t you lead the way?”
Jason jumps up from the couch and is off without another word.
Caleb follows him, pausing in the doorway and gripping Noah’s shoulder. “This has gone well.”
“Thanks for doing it.”
“Anything for you and your mother.”
My throat tightens as he leaves the room, and Bailey pounces, leaping over to the couch. “He’s so nice, Mum. I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
“Do you think I’d let him meet you if he wasn’t?”
“I can’t wait to swim in the pool. What’s his sister’s name?” Kiera asks.
“Chloe. She’s got teenagers too. I assume they’ll be there too.”
“Boys or girls?” Bailey tilts her head.
“Boys.” Bailey’s eyes light up and I shake my head. “They’re both older than you.”
“And they’re kind of our cousins.” Kiera laughs. “That’d be weird.”
