Page 12 of A Simple Life

He grinned, pedaling away. Laura came beside me, looping her arm around my waist. “You made his year.”

“He’s a good kid.”

She smiled up at me, her eyes glistening. “You’re a good man.”

The thought of seafoam green eyes glaring at me floated through my head. “At times,” I said.

She shook her head. “The way you treat Cody is the real you. And one day, the right person will bring that out in you all the time. I know it.”

I pressed a kiss to her head, having no words.

But again, Quinn came to mind.

I dismissed those thoughts.

Immediately.

4

JOHN

The next morning, I pulled up in front of the house Laura referred to as 221. She had a short name for all the houses I owned—either the number of the house or the street. I owned two houses on Ferguson, so using the house number was the easiest.

I was thoughtful as I walked the property, looking it over. Everything looked good, although I thought the eaves needed a cleaning. I could do that another time. Inside, I checked everything out, pleased to see how clean and neat the last tenant had left the place. Laura was right and the place needed a fresh coat of paint, but it was from usual wear. The new family moving in could paint it and make it their own. I checked out the tap and the few other items Laura had listed, taking my toolbox room to room and making the small repairs. I decided a new faucet was best for the kitchen, so I climbed into the truck and headed to the hardware store.

My brother-in-law was at the counter as I carried up the new faucet.

“Bob,” I greeted him.

He grinned. “John.”

“Playing cashier today? Hanging with the little people?”

He laughed, taking my ribbing easily. “Sonya called in sick. It’s busy.”

I looked around with a nod. “I can come help after I put in this new faucet if you need me to.”

“Nah, we’re good. Little man is in the back, cleaning his heart out.”

“Still?”

“He’s gonna keep saving.” He leaned on the counter. “He rode that bike last night until his legs were too tired to hold him up. He washed and polished it this morning so he can show it off this afternoon,” Bob said with a smile. “Laura’s right—you spoil him. You’re a great uncle.”

“Don’t let that shit get around. I have a reputation.”

He winked. “Would never dream of it.”

I took the faucet. “Later.”

“Dinner tomorrow. Don’t forget.”

“Never.”

I finished tightening down the new faucet, then opened the water lines and slid back under the sink to check for leaks. Satisfied there were none, I wiped at the dust I had created, then startled as a young voice broke the silence.

“Why are you in my house?”

I lifted my head, hitting it on the pipes. Cursing, I pulled myself out, meeting the eyes of a little girl. She was crouched down, staring at me, her eyes wide. I judged her to be about six, and she was cute, with her dark hair tied in pigtails and wearing a set of denim overalls with a frilly top under them. She looked vaguely familiar.