Page 83 of Luci’s Lullaby

He narrows his eyes, and he throws a pillow at me as I scurry from the room cackling. “You could help me with it!”

“No time, my friend!” I yell, running down the hall.

I open the cabinet and start making Luci a bottle. While I wait on Alden to change her, I get started on some breakfast for us. I’m knee-deep into pancake stacking when they walk around the corner.

Their hair a matching set of tufts and smiles on their faces. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Shoot.” He sits down with her, giving her a bottle.

I shift my feet, not sure how to ask. “I was wondering if you’d mind me taking some pictures of Luci?”

“You mean, like a real photographer or just around here?” He watches me as I flip the flapjacks.

I give a half shrug. “I actually go to school for photography and business.”

“You do? That’s amazing.” He smiles. “I don’t think I have pictures of her, other than selfies.”

“Yeah, I was gonna mention that.”

“Mention what?” He looks at me concerned.

“Her selfie game is on point, but yours needs a lot of work.” I wink at him as I set a plate full of pancakes in front of him.

“Har, har.” He catches my hand. “Thank you.”

Damn his blue eyes and these butterflies. “You’re welcome.”

“I need to ask you for a favor.” He twists his mouth.

I sit down beside him with my plate. “Why do you sound so nefarious?”

“I’m planning on kidnapping you both and robbing a bank so we can run off to Jamaica.” He chuckles.

“Oh, cool. Let’s do this.” I hold my fist, and he bumps it.

“Seriously though, I have a meeting Tuesday to discuss my future. Sam, my manager, had plans for me to have a recording contract by this time, but life went off the tracks.” He rubs the back of his neck.

“That’s not a problem.” I watch as he inhales his food. “I have to sign up for fall classes tomorrow, but other than work, I’m good to help this week.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.” He scratches his beard. “I’m afraid she's gonna want to get back at it.”

“You mean, singing and touring?” My chest tightens.

He chews on the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, I hate the thought of it.”

“But music is such a huge part of your life, it’s what defines you.”

“I’m not sure what defines me anymore, Charlee.” His pupils dilate as he gets lost deep in thought.

My heart clenches. I lay my hand over his. His eyes flutter to mine. “You don’t have to have all of the answers today.”

His lip quivers. “I need some of them soon.”

“One answer, one day at a time.” I squeeze his hand. “More will come as you need them.”

He grasps my fingers. “I am in awe of you, Charlee Rae.”

My pulse quickens. “Back atcha.”